A woman visiting Bristol for a birthday trip during half term has been left heartbroken after her car was broken into. Hannah Gill had been collecting new toys from a number of shops in the city as part of a charitable scheme for vulnerable children, but was left devastated to find these were among the items stolen.
Ms Gill arrived in Bristol on on Thursday, October 27, with her partner and had parked on the third floor of the Mercure Grand Hotel's car park on Broad Street at around 11am. The couple spent the day at Wake The Tiger, exploring the city and went for dinner at a family-run Italian restaurant.
After dinner, at around 8pm, Ms Gill says she went to the car to grab her pillow, before she and her partner went for a stroll around the city and back to the hotel. She said: "In the evening me and my partner went back to the car to drop off our things ready to go and explore a bit more of Bristol and get some food.
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"When we got to the car my partner said to me 'oh god look', only for me to see my window had been smashed in and everything was turned upside down. They had stolen an ASOS parcel that was full of clothing and a massive bag of brand new toys donated by shops for a Christmas project.
"This is really what has left me heartbroken as there were so many brand new toys and little gift sets for children. I also believe my car may have been attempted to be stolen as it was slightly out of the parking space, unfortunately the police cannot do anything as there is no CCTV on the floor of the parking."
Ms Gill is hoping to spread the word as a warning to people parking their car to take extra care, especially when it comes to leaving their valuables inside. She also hopes that businesses may wish to reach out to make more donations to her charitable children's toy project.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We are asking anyone who witnessed a car being broken into and items stolen last month to come forward. A white Ford Fiesta parked in a hotel car park, in Broad Street, was broken into at some point between 11am and 8pm.
"The victim reported that clothes and toys within the car were stolen. Anyone who witnessed the theft, or may have relevant footage, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5222259646."
Avon and Somerset Police have handy tips and advice for securing your vehicles and keeping valuables safe on their website, especially as we approach the Christmas shopping period. If you would like to donate toys or gifts to the charitable scheme Ms Gill was a part of, email your details to ellie.kendall@reachplc.com.
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