Heartache as thieves take late wife's gold on Mother's Day (From Surrey Comet)

Heartache as thieves take late wife's gold on Mother's Day

9:45am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Ross Logan, Chief Reporter

A husband and his two teenage daughters returned from visiting his late wife’s grave on Mother’s Day to find her jewellery had been stolen by burglars.

Kamyar Momeni was devastated after thieves broke into his home and stole thousands of pounds worth of Persian gold jewellery belonging to his wife Frances, as well as cash and gadgets including an iPad.

The robbers cut a hole in the double-glazed patio doors through the back garden and unlocked it from the inside.

They then ransacked the upstairs bedrooms stealing the gold accrued during years of visits to Iran, where Mr Momeni was born.

Mr Momeni, from Stanley Avenue, New Malden, pleaded with anyone with information about the burglary to come forward.

He said: “I can replace the gold, but it isn’t going to be the same. I don’t care about the amount. I can get some money back from the insurance, but the main thing for me is the sentimental value and all the memories.

“Whatever gold my daughters had, their mum bought.”

Mrs Momeni died in October 2011, after a five year battle with cancer.

She was cremated, with half of her ashes scattered in Iran – where she travelled – and the other half buried in Hastings, where her family live.

Mr Momeni and his two teenage daughters, Jasmine, 15 and 19-year-old Soraya, travelled to Hastings to pay their respects on Sunday, March 10.

They returned home at about 8.30pm, only to find the thieves had struck.

Mr Momeni, who had been married to his wife for 20 years, added: “I was so in love with that woman. She was amazing. I’ve never met anyone like that in my life.

“They have stolen the memories of Frances.”

The burglary is being investigated by Merton police.

Detective Sergeant Trevor Struthers said: “The burglars have gained access by breaking the glass in the back door and unlocking it from the inside.

“If anyone has been offered second hand jewellery for sale in suspicious circumstances, call the police on 020 8649 3062.”