A local family have been left devastated after a special picture was stolen from their recently deceased relatives home.
Amy Kimberley said her brother-in-law Derek Kimberley passed away unexpectedly last Monday, August 7, at 47 years of age.
“We were in Geraldton and came down straight away to pack,” she said.
To have someone break in and steal something so significant...where are the morals in society?
- Amy Kimberley
“On Thursday night, someone broke into the house and stole a picture on the wall, which was a photo Derek had taken.
“They also took a few other things, but that was the thing that actually meant something to everyone.
“That was one thing he put a lot of work into.
“It was something he was incredibly proud of.”
The painting was called York Streetscape and was situated on the wall at the entrance of the Mervyn Street home, in Northam.
Amy said the family are disgusted by the incident.
“A time like this is it devastating enough,” she said.
“To have someone break in and steal something so significant...where are the morals in society?”
The painting was valued a few years ago at $600, but Amy said the painting was priceless to the family.
Amy said Derek had won many awards in photography and had been very involved with the York Art Society.
“He was good at anything artistic,” she said.
“He was fantastic at painting and photography was something he was good at too. “He had the natural eye.”
She said the painting was special to the family.
The artwork was something he cherished and was symbolic of him as a person, she said.
“The painting had sentimental value,” said Amy.
Police and forensics visited the apartment after the incident.
Amy said the local police will be looking at images from a CCTV camera that was near the property.
The family have asked for the community to help return the property if they know of its whereabouts.
“If someone tries to sell it to them, please get in touch,” said Amy. “If it was you who took it, please just leave it out the front.
“We just want it back no questions asked.”
If you have information contact the Northam police station on 9622 4260.
