Carp thieves net a 30-year collection built up by OAP

AN elderly disabled man who has spent 30 years building up a collection of more than 60 fish has had his pond raided.

Ivor Truman, 80, believes up to half of his collection of carp and goldfish may have been stolen by thieves in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Despite being unable to lift his arms properly due to shoulder replacements, Mr Truman tended the fish and cleaned the pond regularly.

He believes he has lost several hundred pounds worth of his stock.

This includes several large carp worth £60 each and goldfish valued at between £10 and £12.

Mr Truman was unsure exactly how many fish had been taken because the disturbance to the pond had made the water muddy so he could not see into it.

The loss was made worse by the fact that many of the fish had sentimental value because they were gifts from Mr Truman's family.

He realised the crime had occurred when he woke yesterday morning to see pond weed strewn across the lawn of the home he shares with wife Eileen, 83, in Derby Road, Chellaston.

The couple have been burgled twice, most recently about five years ago.

Mr Truman said: "It's a bit of a shock. I can't believe it really.

"We've been burgled a few times, but it's the first time we've had actually had somebody in the back garden.

"The pond is part of the garden, but I feel like filling it up.

"I'm 80 years old now and its hard work so I was considering it but this has made me really think about it."

The large pond, which is around 10ft by 5ft, is 5ft deep in places and holds 1,200 gallons of water.

Daughter Avril McGowan, who lives in North Wales, described her father as "the perfect pond keeper".

She believes the crime was planned because the thieves would have needed something to carry the fish in.

"My dad can't lift his arms above his shoulders so everything he's done in that garden is hard work," she said. "To see it wrecked and all the weed pulled out is such a shame. In summer it's so beautiful.

"Nobody likes to have their private and secure world invaded."

A police spokesman yesterday confirmed that thieves had reportedly targeted the pond.

But officers had not yet visited the property to get further details.

Anybody with information should call Derbyshire police on 0345 123 3333.