A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl asked her parents if Santa had taken her iPad back because she had been naughty after thieves raided her family's home.

Miylee Allison cannot understand why the tablet disappeared days after Christmas when her house in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, was burgled. 

The thieves also stole other items of sentimental value from the house in Walton Crescent, between 4.50pm and 6.10pm on Thursday, January 2.

They included two watches that parents John and Vicki Allison had received as gifts and a Panasonic Lumix camera full of family photographs, such as pictures of youngest daughter, one-year-old Beaux, when she was just hours old.

Mrs Allison said: “Miylee wants to know if Santa has taken her iPad back and if she’s been naughty.

“Some valuable, sentimental things were taken but the worst thing is how it made our little girl feel.”

The 29-year-old also had a silver and diamante DKNY watch, which her husband bought as a wedding present while honeymooning in Mexico, in 2008, stolen. And Mr Allison’s G-Shock watch, a Christmas gift from his parents, and a Bear Grylls hunting knife were taken.

Mrs Allison said: “It was horrible to come home and see someone had been in our house. There was mud on the floor, smashed glass and they’d been through my drawers. “How dare they do that?

“I hope anyone offered a cheap iPad, in a pink case and full of Peppa Pig games, questions why and instead goes to the police.”

Detectives believe the burglary could be linked to one in nearby Sycamore Grove, West Auckland, on Friday, December 27, during which a 40ins Technika LCD television was stolen.

On both occasions the thieves forced entry to the rear of the houses, around tea-time while the occupants were out, and searched every room before making off with property.

Police have also received information about two men attempting to sell stolen property in the same neighbourhood.

Det Con Gareth Hodgson said: “We’re appealing for information, for witnesses or anyone offered goods for sale which could be stolen to get in touch.

“I’d urge anyone who notices suspicious activity, individuals or vehicles, to report it and for everyone to be security conscious, to take measures to keep their property safe and for neighbours to keep an eye out for each other.”

Anyone with information should contact Bishop Auckland serious crime team on 101.