Coodanup grandmother lashes out at serial thieves

Adele Gazeley moved into the property in Coodanup in late October last year with her seven-year-old granddaughter, Leila.

Ms Gazeley is Leila’s guardian, following the death of Leila’s father when she was three months old, and her mother when she was fifteen months old.

The biggest blow to the small family, Ms Gazeley said, is how the thieves targeted contents belonging to Leila’s parents.

“We had most of our belongings in boxes in and around the house, since we we’re moving in,” she said.

“I don’t understand why they’ve left things like TVs and DVD players, but have decided to take the things that mean so much to this little girl.”

Jewellery, keepsakes and photos were stolen from the property, yet expensive items like toolsets remain untouched.

Ms Gazeley has reported all three robberies to the police, but said she remains stumped as their are no signs of forced entry.

“We’re pretty sure they’re not coming through the front, because our neighbours have cameras that cover our lawn,” Ms Gazeley said.

“They would’ve seen something.”

Ms Gazeley said the police had increased patrols in the area, especially as investigations continued into alleged arson.

She was also told forensics may have been a possibility.

“But they were packing boxes, they would have my fingerprints all over them,” she said.

Ms Gazeley said her main motivation in publishing her story was to increase awareness and to potentially let the robbers know the impact they have had on their lives.

“Our neighbours are just great, but I was shocked to hear about how regular this is,” Ms Gazeley said.

“The things they stole are the most important things to us – memories, things that Leila will now never know about because they were taken away from her.

“We don’t have much, and Leila’s now lost the only thing that remains of her parents.”

Ms Gazeley has asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.