BURGLARS put dampers on New Years Eve celebrations for a Great Yarmouth couple after their holiday savings were stolen during a break-in. Albert and Margaret Adams were barely out of their Barnard Avenue home for two hours when it was burgled on December 31 as they helped their daughter Michelle prepare for a party that evening.

BURGLARS put dampers on New Years Eve celebrations for a Great Yarmouth couple after their holiday savings were stolen during a break-in.

Albert and Margaret Adams were barely out of their Barnard Avenue home for two hours when it was burgled on December 31 as they helped their daughter Michelle prepare for a party that evening.

The couple had planned to see the new year in at their daughter's home on Jellicoe Road and made a short visit at about 4pm, returning home just before 6pm.

Mr Adams, 72, went to unlock his front door only to find it was already open.

“The key wouldn't turn but I knew I'd locked the door when we left,” said Mr Adams, a retired floorer.

Aware something was wrong the couple cautiously entered their home, fearing a burglar could still be inside.

To her horror Mrs Adams, 69, noticed a conservatory window was open after being forced and Mr Adams searched rooms upstairs. The couple realised they'd been burgled and almost �1,000 in cash, which they kept in a kitchen cupboard, had gone. A tidy search had been made upstairs but nothing else was taken.

Mrs Adams' keys had been taken from their usual spot in the kitchen and used by the burglars to get out.

The couple, who have three children and six grandchildren, immediately called the police who arrived within 15 minutes.

“The police have been brilliant,” said Mr Adams.

Refusing to let the incident hamper celebrations Mr and Mrs Adams saw in the new year with their family at their daughter's party.

Mrs Adams said the burglary had left her feeling vulnerable but hoped the feeling would pass with time.

“It has worried me,” she said. “I don't like walking in the conservatory when it is dark and during the day I keep all doors and windows locked.”

A neighbour reported hearing a banging sound at about 5.45pm.

“She didn't think anything of it and thought it was probably the TV,” explained Mrs Adams.

Police confirmed this week the burglary was being linked to a second incident at Caister Road that evening where thieves broke into a house through a rear window getting away with several personal items.

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact DC Kevin Maskell at Yarmouth CID on 0845 456 4567.