Mayor's chains theft: Anger as late wife's 'irreplaceable' jewellery also taken from Bridlington home

A former mayor of Bridlington says he is sickened at the theft of the town's civic chains.

As reported, the £15,000 chains were stolen during a burglary on mayor Councillor Michael Charlesworth's home while he was in hospital.

Thieves managed to break into the house through an open window.

Cllr Charlesworth was in hospital when his semi-detached home in First Avenue was targeted.

As well as the civic chains, jewellery belonging to Mr Charlesworth's late wife Jean and a laptop, on which he was writing her memoir, were also stolen.

The chains, jewellery and laptop were all in a safe, which the thieves stole during the raid.

Former mayor Councillor Cyril Marsburg said he was sickened by the news.

He said: "The chains are not something that can really be sold on but I guess they can break it up and sell the metal on.

"It is shocking these people can take advantage of a near 80-year-old man who is in hospital. It is very sad.

"But I understand other properties were targeted as well."

Cllr Marsburg believes the worst aspect of the theft is the loss of jewellery belonging to Cllr Charlesworth's late wife.

He said: "The chains can be replaced but the jewellery and memoirs are irreplaceable.

"The items belonging to Jean are very precious to Michael.

"I believe Michael was writing about Jean's life on the laptop that was stolen.

"He was in the Navy and they travelled all over the world together.

"They were very close and he nursed her for several years before she died."

The Mail understands Cllr Charlesworth's daughter has returned to Bridlington to make a list of the stolen items and has notified pawnbrokers in the area.

Cllr Marsburg said: "None of this surprises me anymore.

"But I feel very angry by what has happened.

"Michael had put the chains in a safe, which was the right place for them.

"Hopefully, those responsible will be caught."

The burglary happened between 11am on Friday October and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Once inside, the burglars ransacked the house.

The thieves stole the entire safe containing the Mayor's chains, Jean's engagement and wedding rings and a Salvation Army charity box.

Detectives believe the suspects made their escape through the kitchen door, which had a key left inside the lock.

The mayoral gold chain is worth an estimated £15,000 and neither the chains nor the laptop have been recovered.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the stolen property or may be able to provide detectives with any information is asked to call Humberside Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.