A FAMILY has been left distressed and angry after they were the victims of a crime spree. In the early hours of last Thursday morning, the family s home in Dane Close, Stotfold, was broken into while they slept upstairs. As well as stealing valuables in

A FAMILY has been left "distressed and angry" after they were the victims of a crime spree.

In the early hours of last Thursday morning, the family's home in Dane Close, Stotfold, was broken into while they slept upstairs.

As well as stealing valuables including a digital camera, mobile phone and purse, the burglars also stole the keys to the family's Rover 600, which they then used to ram raid a shop on The Parade in Southfields, Letchworth GC.

As part of their crime spree, the burglars also attempted to break into four other houses in Stotfold and stole money from the till and fruit machines in UK Fried Chicken in the town.

After raiding the shop in Letchworth GC, the offenders were chased in the Rover by police but managed to escape.

The car was later recovered in Stotfold.

A member of the family from Dane Close told The Comet: "We have been left distressed and angry knowing that strangers have been in our home while we were asleep.

"We're around £1,800 out of pocket. No one was hurt though and it could have been worse.

"For the material things they took, they haven't gained anything because they got caught and caused problems for everyone involved.

"We've had to cancel credit cards and mobile phones and have had to pay £35 to get our car scrapped.

"Everyone's upset because they've got to get their property repaired and to make their homes safer."

Police say a large amount of the stolen property has been recovered, but are still appealing for information about the crimes.

Anyone who can help should contact DC Alastair Creed on 01582 473054.

* Four people have been arrested in relation to burglaries and a ram raid and are currently on police bail. Other arrests are pending.