Thieves target Pimpama family with toddler in ICU, steal $5000 of fishing gear

A Gold Coast mum is devastated after burglars delivered a “low blow” to her struggling family, revealing why she thinks it was a strategic act.

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A PIMPAMA family has been dealt a cruel, double blow after $5000 of fishing gear was stolen while their daughter was recovering in an intensive care unit.

Worse still, mum Belinda Seery said the crooks targeted her family knowing they would be away from home.

Ms Seery’s toddler Emilia was admitted to hospital in a critical condition last Monday with a severe respiratory infection.

Cory Jenkins with daughter Emilia, 17 months. Picture: supplied

The family was in the process of moving house when the thieves hit.

“Unfortunately in this time someone has taken advantage of our struggle and has taken off with our fishing gear,” Ms Seery said.

“ … The thieves knew exactly what they were coming in for and would have known our situation and that no one would be home.

“It’s a very low blow.”

About $5000 of her partner Cory’s fishing gear, including seven rods, was taken overnight on July 3.

Ms Seery said her partner had spent that night by Emilia’s side in hospital.

“(When Cory realised the gear was gone) his face dropped,” the Pimpama mum said.

“He just sat in the garage and stared at the empty space – he was devastated.”

The theft was a huge blow for keen fisherman Cory, who dropped a line to help let off steam after a busy week, Ms Seery said.

“He doesn’t go to the pub, he goes fishing,” she said.

“When we go out as a family, we go fishing.”

Belinda Seery's daughter Emilia, 17 months, recovering in hospital. Picture: supplied

While police continue to investigate the theft, the family has been inundated with messages of support online.

Some have offered to donate fishing equipment.

“It has been quite overwhelming,” Ms Seery said.

“We’re trying to get back to everybody, but the response has been quite beautiful.”

Cory Jenkins with daughter Emilia, 17 months. Picture: supplied

But the mum had a different message for those responsible for the theft.

“You never understand what somebody else is going through,” she said.

“You may want something for free, but you’re taking it from someone who has had their life turned upside down over the past week.”

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