Couple give a blanket pardon

Amber and Daniel Paul are appealing for thieves to return their daughter Charlotte's first blanket. 142576 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM

A PAKENHAM family are appealing to the thief who stole their car over the weekend to return a sentimental baby blanket that was inside.
Amber and Daniel Paul awoke on Sunday morning to find that their 2010 Holden Commodore Sportswagon had been stolen from their driveway.
Their daughter Charlotte’s pram and carseat were inside the vehicle when it was taken, along with a blanket from her extended stay in hospital.
Charlotte was born 11 weeks prematurely on 7 April. She spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Mercy Hospital where she was given the woollen blanket.
“It was the first blanket that she was allowed to have,” Amber said.
“She had it at the Mercy and then when she was transferred out to Casey and now we use it for her when she’s in the car.”
Amber is appealing for the person who has the car to return the blanket.
“We just want it back – it’s obviously got a lot of sentimental value.
“Even if we can just get our baby’s items dropped off anonymously, there would be no questions asked.”
The spare keys to the car were taken from inside the centre console of the family’s other car, allowing the thieves to drive it away during the night.
“We were up feeding Charlotte at 3am and then again at 6am and heard nothing,” she said.
While the inconvenience of having the car stolen has been frustrating, Amber said the blanket was irreplaceable.
“It’s very special to her and to us. I would ask whoever has it to have a heart and give it back.”