A BURGLAR stole a safe with jewellery and £8,000 in cash from a house in Park South while the elderly homeowners relaxed in the bank holiday sunshine.

The couple, aged 72 and 74, were sat out in their back garden on Saturday afternoon when the criminal sneaked in through a side gate and entered their home via an unlocked back door.

The couple didn't see the burglar as they were on some decking on the far side of the garden with an outhouse blocking their view of the side gate and back door.

Their daughter Nicola Alder-Hindon said: “It's heartbreaking, I'm trying to keep it together but I'm very worried for them.

"Dad's been through hell; he's terminally ill, he had a stroke and pneumonia, and was in hospital over Christmas.

"He sold his caravan and his car because he was too ill to travel, then put the money in a safe.

"There were also watches and necklaces in there that my parents had bought for each other on their ruby and golden wedding anniversaries.

"Dad's stopped eating and he's depressed, and Mum's really shaken and feels like it's her fault.

"They've worked hard all their lives and they're in a terrible state now.

"They're very private people, they don't want their names in the paper.

"There are unsavoury characters around here, someone must have seen something.

"Always keep your doors locked and keep an eye out, people need to be careful.

"I don't want anyone else to go through this."

Their neighbour Tracy Bernasconi set up a fundraising page to help the couple recoup what they've lost.

She said: “When I heard what happened, I was devastated for them, they don't deserve this.

"It was ruthless and cowardly, I'm disgusted.

"To steal from anyone's home is disgraceful, but to steal from a terminally-ill man is despicable.

"I felt that it was important for me to do something to help them, they'd help

Nicola added: "They're very private and proud people, they can't believe the support they've received from kind people like Tracy.

"Dad wouldn't usually accept help, he's a very proud man and wants to pay everyone back somehow.

"They've been so busy with hospital appointments and Dad's recovery that they didn't renew their home insurance so this loss isn't covered.

"They've lived here all their lives and never had anything like this happen before."

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses.

“The burglary happened between 3.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday May 5 at an address in Kemerton Walk. There were no signs of forced entry.

"CCTV enquiries are being carried out but if anyone has information, including seeing anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the burglary, then call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Tracy added: "The police have been amazing, we couldn't have asked for more from them and the community."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tracybernasconi