Motel thief grabs receptionist’s rent

MOTEL receptionist Sadie Trower had her handbag containing £550 cash and more than £1,000 worth of jewellery snatched while she was working. A thief leapt over the reception counter at Ely s Travelodge in Witchford Road and grabbed her bag and her manager

MOTEL receptionist Sadie Trower had her handbag containing £550 cash and more than £1,000 worth of jewellery snatched while she was working.

A thief leapt over the reception counter at Ely's Travelodge in Witchford Road and grabbed her bag and her manager's bag which contained £275.

Sadie, of New Barns Avenue, Ely had brought the cash into work on Monday intending to settle her rent bill on the way home.

Some of the money she had saved to spend on a holiday in Skegness which she planned to take in a week's time.

Sadie had removed her jewellery, including three bracelets, a gold chain and seven rings, and put them in her handbag because she wasn't allowed to wear them at work.

"I never have that amount of money with me," she said. "But I wanted to go and pay my rent after work so I put it in my bag.

"I could cope with losing the money but I just want my jewellery back. My mum bought the gold chain for me and a lot of the jewellery has sentimental value."

The thief's haul included a Playboy ring and Playboy bracelet, solid gold bangle and an emerald ring.

Sadie's car keys and house keys were in her handbag. She has had to fork out £85 to have new car keys and has to have her house locks changed. She also lost her mobile phone and credit cards.

Now her family have rallied round to help out. Her mother has given her £360 for her rent and her 19-year-old daughter has handed over £200.

INFO: Anyone with any information should contact Ely police on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.