TWO young brothers will not be open their presents on Christmas morning after thieves broke into the family car.

Karyn and Paul Bishop saved for a year to buy their sons' £80 silver and blue Aiwa stereos for Christmas. After getting the hi-fis with money saved up week-by-week, the couple put them in the boot of their car in Sainsbury's car park, in Eltham, and went to do some shopping.

But it is thought they were followed because when they returned half-an-hour later the lock had been removed and the presents were gone.

Mrs Bishop, 32, of Tyrrell Avenue, Welling, says she was "totally shattered" and could hardly speak, adding: "I just stared into the boot in sheer disbelief and burst into tears.

"We work very hard and you don't dream people are going to help themselves to the things you've worked for. We haven't got the money to buy them again."

Although they can claim on their house insurance, the company will not be able to replace the gifts before Christmas. When the boys, Ashley, 11, and Daniel, seven, were told, the youngest said the thieves must be "nasty people" and said to his dad: "Tell mummy not to worry".

Mrs Bishop says the family does not spend much time together because she works weekends as a receptionist and in the week as a lunchtime supervisor at Blackfen School for Girls. Her husband, Paul, also 32, works long hours as a printer.

When the incident happened at about 7pm, on November 24, the couple was enjoying a rare weekend alone as Ashley and Daniel were at camp.

Police have offered some advice to shoppers at this time of year.

A spokesman said: "Be wary about using your car to store presents. Thieves often roam through car parks looking for people loading up their cars with goodies."

For more advice on protecting your property during the festive season, call your local police station and ask for the crime prevention officer.

December 10, 2001 12:45

Richard Simcox