THIEVES have made off with more than £1,000- worth of toys bought by a grandmother who intended to donate them to charity.
The thieves ransacked a garage at the home of Sheila Quigley in Shiney Row, Wearside, stealing several boxes of toys which were to be given to needy youngsters in the North-East this Christmas.
They also stole gifts which had been bought for Mrs Quigley's two year-old granddaughter, Leah.
Mrs Quigley, a grandmother of eight and best- selling crime author, said she hoped those responsible would be ashamed of themselves.
She said: "I am in shock. I cannot believe what has happened. The garage was completely emptied.
"There are children out there who will be getting nothing this Christmas."
The grandmother added: "If someone stole a loaf of bread because they were starving I could accept that, but to steal toys when they know they are for kids - how low can you go?
"This is touching rock bottom."
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