Reporter Sarah Shaffi writes a letter to the burglars who targeted her home recently.

How are you? Have you had a relaxing week since you broke into my family home in broad daylight? We haven’t.

The realisation you’d invaded our home has left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths, and going from room to room looking at the destruction you caused was a shock.

Perhaps you thought it wouldn’t matter that you’d stolen from us. After all, most homes are insured, your quick stroll through probably wasn’t going to cause us any problems, right?

Wrong.

First there was the lengthy call to the police. Then there was the wait for the forensics team, which meant for four hours we weren’t able to move around for fear of disturbing any evidence.

Then it was time to start clearing up and cataloguing what was missing, which wasn’t easy with the mess you made. You didn’t do a very neat job, tossing things to the floor, yanking drawers halfway across the room, stepping on clothes you’d pulled from the wardrobes.

The laptop you’ve stolen, which you might sell for a few pounds, is worth so much more to us. It contained hundreds of photographs and music.

Clearing up after you took days. There were the many clothes which had to be washed of the mud you’d trampled on them. Carpets also had to be washed and vacuumed, since you’d tracked mud everywhere.

Two police officers came to take a list of what was missing, which not only included our valuables, but the pillowcases you’d stripped off the beds to stow your goods in, the jewellery which you’ve probably dumped after discovering you’d get very little for it, and the make-up bag you took. I doubt lash thickening mascara and berry lip shine are quite your thing, but good luck using them, anyway.

Over the weekend we were visited by a police community support officer and a neighbourhood officer. That brings the total number of police personnel we’ve seen in our home up to five.

And it’s not just the police, we’ve had to call our insurers, who will have to visit us. We’ve had to take time off work, which inconveniences our colleagues. We’ve had to fill out endless forms.

Meanwhile you’re swanning around, proud of yourself. Guess what? Being a thief is nothing to be proud of. It’s stupid, it’s intrusive and it causes damage, even if it leaves no physical wounds.

You may read this and laugh, or you may read this and think twice. But judging by your actions previously, I doubt the latter will happen.

What do you think? Have you been a victim of burglars? How did you feel and do you think the laws are tough enough on the criminals? write to us atmedwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk