A BURGLAR who stole presents from a York family has been sent a sarcastic message of thanks for ruining their Christmas.

The householder, who has asked not to be named, found her home in Acomb had been broken into only four days before Christmas.

The thief had escaped with presents meant for family and friends.

The woman said: "I would like to give my personal thanks to the person who broke into my house and stole my Christmas.

"Not only have you gone into my house uninvited, not only have you stolen every Christmas present I had for my friends and family, not only have you stolen items which have such sentimental value I can't even begin to explain, you have made me scared to close my eyes at night.

"You have made me scared to leave my home in case you strike again. You have made me feel guilty for not being able to give gifts to my family and friends on Christmas morning."

The thieves had got into the house through a locked window.

The victim's comments come in a letter written to the intruder, and sent to the Evening Press.

"I'm sure you enjoyed the Christmas you have taken away from me and my family," she said.

She said the burglary had been reported to the police.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, January 03, 2002