A “DESPERATE and selfish” thief stole children’s electronics and even attempted to grab a bag full of copper coins.

The yob broke into Stacey Rogers’ Renault Kadjar which was parked in Saw Mill Road, Colchester, on Tuesday night.

He was caught rummaging through the car on nearby CCTV and trying to get into other vehicles.

Ms Rogers said the theft of the Amazon Fire device and a voice recorder was particularly galling because the vehicle is specially adapted as her daughter has leukaemia.

She said: “My partner went to leave for work - he is a Tesco delivery driver - and he found my car door open.

“My son’s bag of coins was all over the car seats and floor outside.

“The glove box had been emptied.

“The man took my son’s Amazon tablet and a voice recorder we use for ghost hunting.

“The inside of the car has been trashed

“We can clearly see on our CCTV him walk past the front of our house, then around the back and go in my car.

“It upset me knowing a stranger has been in my car going through my things and taking my children’s belongings.

“You can also see him bare handed on the steering wheel.

“My daughter has leukaemia and we are in full lockdown at the moment.

“I’m desperate to go and clean my car with disinfectant as you don’t know what a person like that could be carrying.

“You can also see him try other cars and vans in the car park and in the area.

“I know it wasn’t a personal attack but I now feel scared and unsafe in my own home.”

Ms Rogers said the theft was logged to the police.

She said: “I reported it to the police straight away but honestly they don’t give two hoots.

“For someone to go round doing this at 10.30pm, they must be very desperate.

“I mean what can they do with a children’s kindle and a voice recorder?

“And to attempt to take a bag of coppers too?

“I would say that is desperate and selfish.”

Anyone with information about the theft should call Essex Police on 101.

Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.