Falklands veteran desperate for return of distinctive engagement ring

Darren's fiancée's engagement ring that burglars stole from his home
-Credit: (Image: LancsLive)


A bereaved Falklands Veteran is desperate for the return of a distinctive amethyst and diamond engagement ring which was stolen from the top of a wicker casket containing his fiancee’s ashes. Darren Horsnell, from Haslingden, returned to his home last Sunday at 10.30am, after being away at a fundraising fishing match for the charity he volunteers with – Veterans In Communities (VIC) – to find a bedroom bedside cabinet was open.

Darren, who suffers with PTSD after his service, initially thought his daughter might have visited, but then discovered other items had also been taken in the burglary. In total, cash and property worth £5,500 was stolen.

Darren’s fiancée Tracey Vick died from cancer four years to the day of the theft and Darren has struggled to cope with her loss.

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He said: “When I went in the front room, I noticed the blind leading to the back had got ruffled and then I turned around and saw that the cabinet where I keep my fiancee’s ashes was open. I didn’t notice her ring was gone until about half an hour later, then I was searching everywhere for it.

“The ring had been on top of the wicker casket where her ashes are kept and the order of service from her funeral is also there. They must have known the significance of what they had taken. They also took money and a 15-charm bracelet of Tracey’s along with my iPad I use for art and a tablet from VIC.

“I am not bothered about everything else that has been taken, all I want is to get Tracey’s ring back and I am offering a reward. Police said they believe the house was broken into during the day as other burglaries had also been reported.

“If anyone knows who has the ring, please can they contact the police. Please make sure your home is secured and as protected as it can be because these people don’t care who they steal from, what they steal and nor do they care about the damage it does to their victims.”

Veteran Darren Horsnell
Veteran Darren Horsnell -Credit:LancsLive

Darren and Tracey first met in London when they were children and later in life met up again and became a couple. Tracey was Darren’s rock and supported him as he struggled with PTSD; he was devastated when she was diagnosed with cancer and passed away aged just 56.

He had only recently moved to the housing association property and, unfortunately, had not switched his insurance policy. Darren is the Volunteer Arts and Crafts Co-ordinator at Veterans In Communities based in Bury Road, Haslingden.

Information about the burglary and an appeal for the return of the ring has been shared widely throughout Facebook. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 01706 237367 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or e-mail Rossendale.NPT@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.

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