A RECENTLY-widowed Bovey Tracey resident was left devastated when would-be thieves broke into her garage.

The intruders forced their way into the garage and damaged her late husband’s classic car, which had been parked inside. The paintwork was scratched, police say.

While nothing was taken during the break-in, the car had been her husband’s ‘pride and joy’.

PCSO Paul Wilson said: ‘The garage contained the car, which is valuable, but it was damaged and the paintwork at the front was scratched when the garage door was forced open.

‘The lady was very distressed about the fact someone had broken into the garage and hit her husband’s car.

‘It appears to have been an opportunist break in and I would appeal for anyone who has information to get in touch.’

The incident happened between Thursday, November 5, and Monday, November 9.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or email [email protected] quoting crime reference CR/077828/15.