Christmas stolen from single mother and children

Nurse’s assistant and single mother, Melinda Rasco, had picked up extra shifts one the job, ensuring she had the money to give her two children the Christmas they deserved. She never anticipated what would happen just two weeks before the 25th. "There’s nothing like coming home to a place where you know your privacy and everything was invaded,” says Rasco. “My house was upside down. The back door had been kicked in.”

Like the Grinch on Christmas Eve, a thief had broken into Rasco’s house and stolen every single one of her gifts. But, unlike the cartoon, the burglar wouldn’t be bringing these gifts back.

"All my mother’s rings were gone with money as well. Rings that can’t be replaced," says Rasco.

He Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case. So far, there have been no arrests.

Despite the fact that Rasco had done everything right, locking their doors and making sure the home was secured, the house was still broken into.  Officials say it could happen to anyone, and say you can never be too safe. “Be vigilant. Make sure you keep your lights on even if you’re not home. Make it look like somebody is home. Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked, and keep your valuables tucked away,” says Lynn Jones, Hancock County Sheriff’s Investigator.

The Rascos’s flat screen television, XBox 360, cash, and valuable jewelry were also among the items that were taken. An ipod that was stolen has since been returned, when an adult realized it was stolen property after buying it online.