Intruders stole a 12-year-old girl’s holiday savings after sneaking into her north Shropshire home.

Lucy Pye, of Wem, had been saving up spending money for a family holiday to Spain.

A money box containing £60, which was made up of birthday, Christmas and pocket money, along with £7 winnings from the Grand National, was stolen from her Eckford Park home.

Lucy’s mum Jayne Pye said the pink money box with the words Pot of Dreams and Shoe Fund on it was stolen while the Thomas Adams School pupil was at football training on April 7.

“We came back from football training at 7pm, she went to put some money in and it had gone. It was the only thing that went,” she said.

“It was all her savings, money she had saved from doing jobs. I just think it’s a bit cruel really.”

Mrs Pye issued a warning to people to make sure they leave their doors and windows locked when they go out.

“Just be aware that people can just walk into your house,” she said. “Just lock your door when you go out. It is just very hard because the kids go in and out all day long. If you are all down the garden, lock your doors.”

Police today appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between about 3.30pm and 7pm on April 7 to contact them on 0300 333 3000.

Police also renewed appeals for people to make sure their homes were locked up and secure.

Police spokeswoman Maria Hawkaluk said: “Doors should always be kept locked, even when you are at home, and accessible windows should also be kept closed and locked when you are out of the room.”