Thieves can be heartless, taking what seem like unimportant objects that are in reality beyond price. Susan Onyeobia is living proof of that.

The Barrie woman was the victim of a robbery at her home on Livingstone St. last week. In addition to stealing her cash, computer, camera and a DVD player, they took something no amount of money can ever replace - the ashes of her late daughter.

The little girl didn't have much of a chance at life. She died soon after being born prematurely. Her parents had the infant cremated and her ashes have remained a sacred possession for the past seven years.

Until the robbers came calling.

Now the distraught mom is worried they may not be able to sell the prize for a quick buck and will simply discard it, forever separating her from the only link to her departed offspring.

She and her husband recall being stunned when they returned to find the place in a shambles. "We came home to find our front door with the hinges loose," she remembers. "We thought they might have tried but given up after they didn't get in."

But the determined thieves pressed on and made their escape unseen.

Onyeobia is determined to alert whoever she can to the precious item, which was kept in a purple velvet jewel box and may have appeared to be something else.

"We think they took it by mistake," she believes. "It might have been mistaken for a jewellery box or something. We don't know. We just want it back. At this time it feels like a part of us is out there somewhere."

Despite police objections, she's offering a 'no questions asked' policy for its safe return and is urging the heartless crooks to drop it off somewhere and let authorities know.

For now, the family is struggling to cope with the loss and the feeling of violation the break-in has left behind. It's been especially hard on the couple's three kids. "The children all sleep with us now," explains dad Ibe Onyoebia. "They don't feel safe. We have to keep strong for them."

Still, Susan is refusing to give up hope that the urn will one day come home. "We have faith and believe there are good people out there," she concludes. "We just want it returned to us."

If you know where it is or have any clues in this case, call Barrie Police at (705) 725-7025.

Son in shock after dad's ashes stolen from car