A NORTH Wootton couple had their wedding celebrations tainted when thieves stole their unopened presents and gift cards.
Happy couple Paul (39) and Angela (38) Neal married at their village church and held the reception in a marquee at the historic Castle Rising Castle on Saturday, December 20.
The party continued until the early hours and the thieves struck after g
uests had gone home, breaking in and stealing around 20 presents, plus cash and gift vouchers from inside cards.
Among the items stolen were a fur shawl, a framed photo montage featuring pictures of the bride and a plasticine model made by her friend's young daughter.
Mrs Neal told the
Lynn News: "I had not even opened my presents and I only know what some of them were because people are starting to tell me. Most people had given us gift cards and money because they know we have most things we need.
"We kept the gift cards in a secure box, but we left cards, around 20 presents and a fur shawl I had borrowed from a friend in the marquee and went to a hotel for the night."
Mrs Neal assumed someone had collected up the presents and expected a guest to phone to say they had them.
But the call never came and Mrs Neal grew worried as the days passed.
She said: "I didn't call the police immediately. It was the last thing I thought of, that someone would have stolen them. It has definitely taken the edge off things.
"All I can think about are the ifs and buts, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. I just can't believe that people can stoop so low."
Head custodian at the castle, Mr Norman Fahy, said: "I was shocked when the police told me. It was absolutely dreadful and I feel terrible for them. They were a lovely couple.
"This is the first time this has happened, and in future we shall make sure no presents or cash are left on site."
The break-in happened between 2.30am and 6.30am on Sunday, December 21, and Norfolk Police would like to hear from anybody who saw what happened or knows who may be responsible.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact PC Mark Savage at Hunstanton Police Station on 0845 456 4567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
The full article contains 400 words and appears in Lynn News Tuesday newspaper.
