When burglars battered their way into Alan Stevens’ South Woodford home, they didn’t just take possessions, they snatched his last remaining memento to his late father - and the 61-year-old is determined to get it back.
Thieves broke into Mr Stevens’ family home on Cowslip Road in broad daylight last Friday, stealing - amongst much else - his dad’s old camera.
Steve Stevens, a professional photographer whose shots were published in the Daily Express and Daily Mirror, died from a heart attack at the age of 39, when his son was just eight.
More than 50 years on, Mr Stevens’ last physical reminder of his father was a Voigtlander Prominent camera.
So now the professional speaker is mounting a campaign to trace the priceless item, mobilising social media with the hashtag #FindMyDadsCamera and calling on anyone who spots the camera or its accessories to get in touch.
Computers, clothers and jewellery were also taken in the burglary, which took place between 1pm-2pm.
“My daughter was the first home,” said Mr Stevens.
“She’s 17 - she’d just got back from school. The door had been hammered opened.
“She realised something was wrong, went inside saw what had happened, came back outside and had the presence of mind to call the police.”
He added: “Obviously like anyone who’s burgled, you feel very upset that someone’s been in your house, in your space. It’s very distressing.
“Things can be replaced, but it’s the memories that you can’t replace.”
Lenses in brown leather cases, an exposure meter, a rangefinder, filters and a case were also stolen with the camera, worth around £1,000.
Mr Stevens conceded that the chances of finding the invaluable memento were slim, but remained optimistic.
“There’s always a chance. I stay hopeful - because it’s a unique set I’m hopeful we might find it somewhere,” he said.
Email Mr Stevens via alan@mediacoach.co.uk if you think you can help.
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