A CRIME victim has been left devastated by the theft of a camera containing irreplaceable photos of her late mother The 56-year-old woman was waiting in her car in Redbourn High Street at around 8.25pm on Friday, April 11, when the culprit opened the door

A CRIME victim has been left devastated by the theft of a camera containing irreplaceable photos of her late mother

The 56-year-old woman was waiting in her car in Redbourn High Street at around 8.25pm on Friday, April 11, when the culprit opened the door and snatched the bag from the passenger seat.

The incident happened outside the George Pub and the bag also contained a purse, a small amount of cash, cards, personal documents and a set of keys.

After stealing the bag, the thief then got into a small red car with a spoiler on the back which was parked behind the victim's vehicle. It

was driven off towards the fire station.

The bag was leather and green metallic in colour and the digital camera was a silver Kodak 361.

Pc Christine Clayton from the Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Team is investigating and said: "This incident has been extremely distressing for the victim, especially the loss of the camera which had some extremely sentimental photos on it. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, saw it take place or knows anything about it to please come forward and help. The victim is very keen to get the camera back and if anyone knows its whereabouts then please get in touch."

Pc Clayton reminded motorist never to leave valuables on display in their cars as it might attract opportunist thieves.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Pc Clayton on 0845 33 00 222 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, which could entitle them to a cash reward.