CHILDREN as young as 12 are being sought after a burglary in which a woman’s home was ransacked.

Community leaders have expressed their shock at the age of those involved.

The young offenders were seen running from the property in Love Lane, Weymouth.

They broke a panel in the front door to get in and filled a rubbish bin with valuables, including a laptop and jewellery.

The burglary has left mum Fay Spanswick distraught.

It happened while Fay and her five-year-old daughter Meribelle Spanswick-Way were at the cinema.

Fay, 29, said: “We got back to find two policemen in the house. The thieves had gone through my cupboards and there was stuff all over the floor. A neighbour had called the police after seeing kids run down James Street.

“I was devastated. I felt sick knowing that someone had been in my house.

“Meribelle was really upset as well.”

She said a Toshiba laptop was taken along with a Sony stereo DVD player, Apple MP3 player, Sega Mega Drive and games and a mobile phone and charger.

Also stolen were treasured items – rings, bracelets and collectibles, including a set of solid silver spoons, a heart-shaped silver dish and a honey pot ornament.

Fay said: “I know there are things I won’t get back.

“The ornaments aren’t particularly valuable but they’ve been in my family for years.

“I don’t want to stay in this house any more and Meribelle is worried the burglars will come back.”

Ian James, community safety spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said any burglary was a concern but he expressed shock at the age of those involved.

He said: “It’s very worrying. I mean, for goodness sake what is it coming to?

“If those responsible are 12 then where are the parents and what led the young people to do this?”

Coun James added: “No-one has the right to steal stuff you’ve worked hard for. Having been a victim of crime myself I know how it feels.”

He urged people to contact the police if they know anything and suggested the offenders might have bragged about their crime.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We are looking for three young males approximately 12 years of age.

“They were wearing hooded tops and were seen to carry a silver and black bin containing the stolen items away from the property towards Portmore Gardens.

“One of the stolen items, a Toshiba laptop, has a key missing on the top row.”

Witnesses and anyone with information about the burglary on August 7 can contact PC Jim Long at Weymouth police station on 01305 222222.

n james.tourgout@dorsetecho.co.uk