Garretts Green: heartbroken mum appeals to burglars to return urn holding baby’s ashes

A devastated mum has made a fresh appeal directly to the thieves who stole her urn containing the ashes of her baby daughter stillborn 10 years ago.

The urn, which looks similar to the one in this story holds the ashes of baby Phoenix.

It was taken from the home of Catherine Farrell Breen on Clopton Road in Garretts Green last Friday (February 4).

Thousands of people have responded to social media posts to help locate the urn - but it is still missing.

Catherine lives at the house with her two children, aged seven and eight. The family light a candle for Phoenix ever night and celebrate her birthday each year with a cake and balloon release.

The children’s Christmas present, a Nintendo Switch, was also taken in the burglary.

Neighbours clubbed together to buy a replacement, but the youngsters remain heartbroken - and just want their sister back.

The urn is of no monetary value.

Catherine explained: “Phoenix is ours and her urn is the grieving process. The urn is not of value except for what it means to me.”

What have the police leading the investigation said?

DC Rebecca Woodcock who is leading the investigation said: “We understand that the urn was in a box and that the thieves probably just saw the silver and gold painted details, and took it without looking carefully to see what it was, as they didn’t want to spend too much time in the property.

“Catherine has been very upset and feels responsible for the loss of her daughter’s ashes and my main concern is to get her baby Phoenix returned to her, where she belongs.

“I’d appeal directly to the better nature of the people who took the urn to do the right thing. Take the urn to a safe location, or give it to someone who is able to safely return Phoenix’ ashes to Catherine and her family. They could even give an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers if that’s what it takes.”

Catherine added: “As it happened last week we understand that there is a possibility the burglars may have discarded the urn somewhere by now too. We‘re urging people who live in Birmingham to keep a look out and get in touch with any information.”

What should I do if I have information that could help police and Catherine?

Please contact the force via Live Chat on their website, which you can reach by clicking on: West Midlands Police - and quote crime reference 20/193726/22.

Remember, if you want to remain completely anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.

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