A CANCER-STRICKEN mum whose family has been left devastated after an overnight burglary is urging homeowners to keep their doors locked at all times.

Kris Fowles, who is currently receiving chemotherapy to treat breast cancer, says the overnight raid has had a profound impact on her family.

The 48-year-old left the back door to her house in Frome Road, Trowbridge, open on Friday, March 3 so that her 26-year-old daughter, who lives away from the house, could let herself in before heading down to the wooden cabin at the bottom of their garden with her boyfriend.

But the raiders used the opportunity to sneak into the house before stealing five sets of car keys, a wallet, a purse, Mrs Fowles’ chemotherapy diary and a BMW 320 from the driveway.

“We don’t usually leave our door unlocked but we did on Friday so Harriet and Charles could get a glass of water before going to sleep in the den,” said Mrs Fowles, who works as a technical coordinator for a cosmetics company.

“Thankfully the car was found and returned and bizarrely our purse and wallet have also been handed in, but replacing the keys and paying for a locksmith has set us back £1,600.

“They also stole my chemotherapy diary which I can replace, but it’s what it represents and it’s horrible to think they’ve been rummaging through our private possessions.

“We’re all really nervous now – something like this makes you think a lot more and has made us feel quite vulnerable.”

Mrs Fowles, who lives with husband Simon and son Toby, said getting to the Royal United Hospital for treatment was made more difficult after the burglary as she could not drive.

The burglary at her home followed three others in Trowbridge in Cavell Court, Blease Close and Hargreaves Road, and Mrs Fowles wants residents to remain vigilant.

She added: “I know a lot of people who leave their door open for short periods of time, like we did, but this proves that it only takes a very short amount of time for them to pounce.”

Sergeant Gill Hughes of Wiltshire Police said: “To help deter and, at times, stop burglaries the advice could not be more simple.

“Please ensure doors and windows are locked every time you leave the house, even when just in the garden, and make sure you have approved locks or bolts to all doors and windows.”