A mum-of-five said she was "heartbroken" when she arrived at her mother in law's house.
Leah Best arrived at her mother-in-law's house in Prescot on Saturday morning (November 20) to find the home had been broken into and all of her children's presents for Christmas were gone.
The 24-year-old said she was due to stay at the house on Hughes Avenue over the weekend while her mother-in-law was away in Blackpool, which is when she discovered what had happened.
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The mum-of-five told the ECHO: “ I feel disgusted that anyone could steal from children and heartbroken that all my children's toys have been taken."
Leah claims a number of electronics she had bought for her children, who are all aged five and under, were stolen along with 'all kinds of stocking fillers' in the break in.
Merseyside Police confirmed it is investigating the burglary and believe it was carried out some time between November 16 - 20 while the home was vacant.
The police confirmed it was reported that a number of children's toys were stolen including a Nerf gun.
Forensics have been carried out and enquiries are ongoing.
Megan Hagan, who also lives in the Prescot area, heard about the break-in and launched a collection in a bid to ensure the family's Christmas was not ruined.
After posting about the burglary and launched collection on Facebook, where she has requested ‘anything at all - no matter how big or small’, the Prescot woman said she has received ‘loads of toys’ from people across the region.
Megan told the ECHO: “I had strangers messaging me to collect money and toys.
“The people of Liverpool were so generous giving bikes and tablets.
“Four weeks before Christmas, the girl has got five kids, it's horrible.
“Everyone check doors are locked at this time of year.
“It is everyone's worst nightmare literally.”
Posting pictures of the donations made so far, Megan has collected multiple Marvel figures, soft toys, books, bikes and play kitchens.
She also said she has received £350 in cash donations since her post on Saturday.
Megan added: “I've collected loads still not finished.”
Inspector Alyson Keenan of Merseyside Police told the ECHO: “This is very distressing for the victim who is understandably upset that the toys have been stolen and we urge anyone with any information to contact us.
“Burglaries can often have a massive and long-lasting impact on victims. It can be a very personal and invasive crime, and victims can struggle to come to terms with offenders having entered their homes and stolen personal items.
“We will take action on all information provided to put those responsible before the courts.
“We have a dedicated burglary team called Operation Castle, who focus on hotspot areas and particular types of burglary.
"We’ve seen more than 500 years in prison handed out to suspects since we launched in 2018. Every sentence handed down makes the communities of Merseyside and beyond safer from the harm, distress and inconvenience that burglary brings."
Police are encouraging residents across the region to consider investing in, or asking landlords, to install doorbell technology or other security devices too, as this can prove an effective deterrent and prevent your home being an easy target for opportunist burglars.
Information on making your home secure can be found here.
People are reminded to always call 999 if a burglary is in progress. If you have any information regarding the theft please contact @MerPoLCC or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 21000807520.
