The Murray family left their Dalton home, Murraythwaite, on Saturday March 19 for a week and returned on Easter Saturday to find their house ransacked and precious heirlooms missing.
Family treasures, such as silver candelabra, a salt and pepper cellar and silver cups – including a two handed cup presented to relative Colonel John Murray in the 1800s to mark his retirement – were stolen in the raid.
Andrew Murray, who lives with parents Anthony and Caroline, says the theft has left the family feeling ‘violated’.
He said: “Some of that stuff was priceless.
They were family heirlooms which can never be replaced.
We could not even begin to try and replace them.
“They will no doubt be melted down and never seen again. We’re not hopeful they will be recovered.”
The property is well manned by CCTV and Andrew believes that the thieves were very careful.
He said: “Whoever has done this has been very careful indeed.
“I would just like to add, however, that Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary have been remarkably helpful and sympathetic.”
Constable Stewart Hunter is seeking the assistance of locals to try and catch the thieves.
He said: “We need the help of the community to catch those responsible in this break-in at a house which was unoccupied at the time.
“We are keen to hear about any sightings of vehicles in the area around Murraythwaite, Dalton, over last week or so, and again would want to hear about any suspicious activity in the area.
“We ask local people who live in and know this area to get in touch if they can recall anything which might assist us.”
Officers can be reached at the Lockerbie station via the 101 number.
