Callous thieves have stolen the savings of a Ramsgate pensioner who is terminally ill.
Terry Price says he had stashed some £3,000 in his home which he had planned to use to pay for his funeral and wake but this was taken when his home was burgled at the weekend.
Terry, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019, says he believes he knows the identities of the culprits and it was clear the break-in was by someone who knew exactly where he had put the money.
The former market trader, who also suffers with arthritis, had been taken shopping on the day of the break-in but was away from his Leopold Road home for no longer than 45 minutes,
The 66-year-old said: “I am disabled so I was getting a bit of help to do my shopping. I was only gone half or three-quarters of an hour.
“They had come in through the back (of the property) and knew exactly where my money was. They went through my tins and took £3,010, the £10 was a note torn in half. The box from under the hospital bed I have in my front room was emptied, another tin with 20p pieces was taken and all my £2 and 50 pences were taken.
“They knew exactly what they wanted and it was the only room they went in, they didn’t take my TV or pad.”
Terry has recently come home from hospital after an op to remove a cancerous mass in his hip bone.
He said: “The money was for my funeral and my wake at Fury’s bar and a few Christmas presents. I’m gutted. I had saved it from my pension since I got my diagnosis.”
Terry says purchases have also been made on his bank card which he has now had to cancel.
He has told police who he believes the culprits are and officers have been looking at CCTV.
But the former Deptford resident, who moved to Ramsgate more than 20 years ago, fears police may not have enough evidence to bring charges although he says he is determined to get justice.
He added: “I am near the end of my life. They took everything I had and these people were supposed to be my friends.”
Neighbour Zoe Norman has set up a fundraiser page in the hope of helping Terry recoup some of his losses. On it she says: “He has been saving for this since his terminal diagnosis almost 4 years ago. He is only on benefits and has been small savings each week. Someone that he knew who was supposed to have dear to him robbed him of his savings.
“Police are aware and they will do what they can, unfortunately even after they have been found guilty and ordered to pay monthly, this will not come quick enough for Tel’s funeral.
“He’s a great, well-loved man in our small community, unfortunately between our small numbers we aren’t enough to bring his pot back up. He helped so many people in his time, wherever he could and at sometimes left himself short.”
Find the fundraiser here
A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed officers are investigating the incident.
They said: “Kent Police is investigating a burglary which took place in Leopold Road, Ramsgate between 2.30pm and 3.10pm on Saturday 12 November.
“It is reported the property was broken into and a large amount of cash was stolen.
“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/218728/22.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.”
