Couple are left devastated as last gift from son is stolen

AN elderly couple are devastated after thieves stole a garden ornament given as the last gift from their late son.
Alois and Evelyn Piska were distraught to discover the 3ft stone statue had been taken from their back garden. The white garden ornament – a woman holding a bird in her hand – was given to 89-year-old Mr Piska as a birthday present from son Dominic about three years before he died. It had stood outside their home in Parkstone Avenue, Southsea, for about 14 years before thieves stole it overnight on September 12. Mrs Piska, 87, said: 'It had been there for so many years. It has got a lot of sentimental value. 'Dominic gave it as a present for his father's birthday about three years before his death.' It was just something that was there that we could see every day that reminded us of Dominic.' Sadly 34-year-old Dominic, who suffered from bipolar disorder – also known as manic depression – died after gassing himself with fumes from his car exhaust near Reading in October 1999.Mrs Piska added: 'It's extremely upsetting. Dominic was our youngest son and we all miss him terribly. 'The ornament was the last thing he ever bought for us. I just can't believe anybody would be so sneaky as to do this.' Mrs Piska added: 'We're not holding out much hope of getting it back, but I would like other people to know that this sort of thing is happening. 'The theft took place on the same night that crooks stole a 3ft stone dog statue given by electrician John Bamborough as a gift to his late wife Georgina – known as Nina – 14 years ago. The treasured ornament, which resembles the couple's pet golden retriever Toby, was taken from the 76-year-old's garden in South Road, Horndean, overnight on September 12. Anyone with any information about the missing statue should contact Hampshire police on 0845 045 45 45, the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

(Reproduced from The News (Portsmouth) 30th Sept

GARDIEN TIP: See our advice re garden statuary at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-antiques-security.aspx