A family has been left devastated after burglars stole their passports – the night before they were due to jet off on holiday.
Hazel and Neil McKay were sleeping at their detached home on Tuesday excited about their one-week break to Cyprus the following morning.
But when Neil, 45, got up shortly after 6.30am on Wednesday, he got to the shock of his life to find a side window forced open, the porch door ajar and a chisel abandoned on the kitchen table.
Thieves had got into the property and took all five passports – including those of Hazel’s stepsons Euan, 11, Lewis, nine and two-year-old son Irvine.
They also stole luggage before fleeing in Hazel, 37, and Neil’s cars from the Ravelston, Edinburgh, raid overnight on Tuesday.
Police are now investigating why the McKays were targeted at their home as they slept upstairs.
Hazel, a human resources consultant, said: “It’s absolutely devastating.
“I’m sat here filling out insurance forms when I should be on the beach.”
When Neil got up she shouted for Hazel.
Hazel added: “He shouted up to me ‘we’ve been robbed’.
“They’d taken my luggage, a camera, three laptops – even some rubbish wine.”
Hazel and family have been left hoping the public can help police track down their brand new £40,000 Audi Q5 and VW Golf.
But perhaps the biggest heartache was losing all five passports.
It meant they had to scrap their one-week break in Cyprus just hours before flying.
They were heading to the Mediterranean to stay in the same hotel as last year for a relaxing vacation.
Worse still, it was the only chance they have for an annual holiday as Euan and Lewis were up from their mum’s in England.
Hazel said: “Irvine’s upset because the boys are upset too. He thought he was going on an aeroplane and now he’s not.
“We didn’t even have a chance to cancel the taxi to the airport – he turned up about 15 minutes later.
“They took Euan’s mobile phone as well, which he’s really upset about.”
Hazel and medical consultant Neil, looked into getting emergency passports but would need the signature of Euan and Lewis’ mum – who is away in India.
Hazel added: “We should be able to get the money back on the holiday.”
The biggest hit moneywise could be on Neil’s Q5 which may have depreciated as much as £15,000 since being bought six months ago.
Hazel said: “I think that could be the biggest loss financially if we don’t find it because it was brand-new.
Now there are fears that the housebreakers may be planning to take Neil’s Q5 on a crime spree.
It was previously reported that gangs break into family homes to steal the keys of high-performance vehicles.
These are then used as getaway cars as the gang target more properties.
The couple is hoping the public can help the police investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Hazel said: “The police came around very quickly with forensics but it looks like they had gloves on because there are no fingerprints.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that we have received a report and are investigating.
“Anyone with information is asked to come forward.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/travel/photographer-beats-thousands-of-applicants-to-secure-britains-most-remote-job/12/04/