A little boy has been so traumatised after masked raiders smashed their way into a Ramsgate property that he is too scared to sleep in his bedroom.
Three-and-a-half- year-old Caleb Cook was with mum Laura, stepdad Ashley Gilbert and baby sister Alice in their Artillery Road flat when two men, one in a Halloween mask and the other holding a large knife, burst into the property in an attempt to get into one of the apartments.
Caleb, who is currently being assessed for autism, witnessed the raiders smash the main door and kick over a pushchair in the hallway.
Ashley, 32, called police and told his family to go up into Caleb’s room. Officers advised him to join them while the offenders were in the property.
Items including cash, alcohol and manicure supplies were reportedly stolen.
Nightmares
Since the break-in on December 29 the family have stayed at home for no more than five nights, spending the rest of their time with family in Canterbury.
Care assistant Laura said: “Since it happened Caleb has not wanted to stay at home. He wakes up in the night and thinks the man in the mask is coming to get him and he tries to lock the doors with his toy keys.”
Ashley added: “Caleb saw them. He has some learning difficulties and is currently being assessed for autism. He struggles with any kind of change and he gets very anxious.
“He has been staying a lot with my sister in Cnterbury as she has five kids and he feels safe there.”
It is the second time the property has been broken into. After the first incident Ashley installed CCTV and footage of the most recent incident has been passed to police.
Appeal
Ashley has now launched a fundraiser in the hope of gaining enough support to give Caleb a treat.
He said: “I’d rather pay for it myself but we are struggling. We just want to do something to take Caleb’s mind off of it for a bit, we know it isn’t going to help completely but we want to do something for him. We don’t like asking others but thought even if people could donate 50p or a £1 it could all go to something for Caleb.”
The appeal has so far raised £50 of a £250 target. Find the fundraiser page here
Police hunt
The raiders have yet to be arrested. Police are appealing for any information that could help their enquiries.
The incident happened at 9.37pm on Saturday, December 29.
One man is described as a white man, wearing a white hooded jacket with black zip detailing, black bottoms and a ski mask and was believed to be carrying a knife.
The second man is described as wearing a jacket with either a light grey or green top half and a darker colour lower half, black combat trousers, black trainers and wearing a costume mask.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/33677/18.