A musician who survived a serious car crash on her way to a festival has been left “saddened” after thieves raided the wreckage – which included irreplaceable family photos and a treasured ukulele.
Melissa Bradd said she had been left with a “flat feeling”, knowing someone decided to take items from the smashed-up vehicle.
She told Sky News: “It doesn’t cross your mind to think someone would take anything.
“I hope they are beginning to think the decision to take anything was a mistake, and that they realise they have an opportunity to set things right and return the items.”
Ms Bradd was travelling with a friend to Kelburn Garden Party in North Ayrshire when her Skoda skidded off the A760 near Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire.
She said the car hit an island reservation, a road sign and a tree. It ended up on its side in a ditch.
She said: “It was a huge shock to the system. Luckily, we both didn’t sustain serious injuries.
“I had multiple bruises, a deep graze on my lower inner left arm and whiplash, which I’m receiving physio for.
“I think it is more the emotional level to process.”
The crash happened on 30 June, with Ms Bradd returning to the car on 3 July to find thousands of pounds worth of belongings gone.
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The items taken included Ms Bradd’s much-loved Ibanez ukulele, a large gong, a singing bowl, a conch shell, sleeping bags, two tents, camping chairs and clothes.
A laptop, as well as multiple discs and hard drives, contained university coursework, original music compositions, videos and recordings, and cherished family photographs.
Ms Bradd said: “In the collection of photos was a picture of my gran with her partner who passed away.
“I’d intended to use this image in a music video. I’m so saddened to know I won’t be able to get these pictures to her of them both.”
Ms Bradd said she received an “overwhelming response” of kind words and empathy since the incident and wished to thank all those who had shown support.
She added: “We never know the situations and experiences that cause people to make a decision to take something that is not theirs, but none of us would like it to happen to us either, so [I hope they find a sense] of compassion in their heart to hand the items in.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Monday 3 July 2023, police received a report of several items stolen from a car that had been involved in a crash on Friday 30 June 2023 on the A760 near to the RPSB wildlife sanctuary, Lochwinnoch.
“The theft is thought to have occurred sometime between 5.40pm on Friday 30 June and 2.40pm on Monday 3 July 2023.”
