A phone call on Wednesday informing the Willow Tree residents that Mrs Moxon’s parents’ residence in Scone was broken into by callous thieves – while the elderly couple was out of town due to radiation treatment.

The pair then entered Merv and Mary Wearne’s Susan Street home to find the premises ransacked, with all the rooms trashed and the outside sheds damaged.

Sentimental items, as well as antique jewellery, are missing, too.

“I’m so upset for mum and dad,” said Mrs Moxon, after the forensic team left the scene.

“They’re devastated.

“Dad’s undergoing treatment at the North West Cancer Centre at Tamworth – and they can’t come down [at the moment].

“They’re unable to interrupt his treatment.

“Mum’s still in shock.

“As for Neville and I, we both feel they’ve been violated.

“They’re half-way through the treatment, and under a lot of stress, so this is the last thing they need.”

Mr Moxon admitted he was shattered for the couple.

“Merv is a retired Anglican priest and both he and Mary have spent their lives helping others in the community,” he said.

“They’ve been active members for the church, Meals on Wheels, Legacy and Murravale Hostel to name just a few things.

“We’re disappointed that they’ve experienced the worst of people.

“Obviously, the thieves targeted the place and they knew it’s a residential area for retirees.

“I think they’re lowlifes.

“Everything is wrong about it – occurring before Christmas, in an aged community and taking treasured possessions.

“There were a number of sentimental items, which can’t be replaced.

“Christine’s brother [Phil] slept in his ute overnight to ensure they [thieves] didn’t come back and made sure everything was secure.

“It’s just not good.

“And, it will take a while to clean it all up.”

Mr Moxon wants Scone residents to be vigilant around their neighbourhoods.

“Even though we’re hoping someone might know, or have seen, something, people need to be wary, especially at this time of year,” he said.

“If we can save somebody else, from going through the same thing, it would give us a bit of satisfaction.”

If anyone has information about the break-in, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/