A five-year-old boy who suffered ‘terrible’ nightmares after thieves struck at his house has made a plea to criminals not to ruin any child’s Christmas.

Alex, from Chester, does not want any other children to be left ‘sad and scared’ over the festive period.

His ordeal began after burglars stole his bike trailer as well as his dad’s bike while the family were out at Chester Zoo.

Alex was left fearing the thieves would return to their house and struggled to sleep through the bad dreams.

The five-year-old has written to potential offenders asking them to ‘be good’ and think again this December.

Alex, from Chester, has written this heartfelt message to potential burglars this Christmas

A Christmas card carrying his message will be given to criminals over the festive period in the hope they will see the consequences of their crimes.

Alex’s mum said: “Like many young children his age, Alex would often have bad dreams and began to worry about ‘robbers’ breaking into our home.

“We spent a lot of time talking to him about how we keep our home safe and putting his worries at ease which made him a lot happier.

“However, in July when his bicycle was stolen, Alex was devastated and those bad dreams and worries began to resurface.

“Designing this Christmas card has really helped Alex as it has made him feel like he is doing a good thing in helping to make ‘robbers’ behave and to ensure no other children experience terrible nightmares like he did.”

Alex’s Christmas card will be handed out during Cheshire Police’s ‘All we want for Christmas…’ campaign. His identity is being protected by the force.

Officers will deliver cards to Cheshire’s serial and priority offenders and also pass them out to all known criminals taken into custody.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: “Hearing the heartbreaking impact thieves had on Alex when they stole his bicycle will touch many people across the county.

“It is incredibly brave and touching of Alex to turn how these criminals made him feel into a positive and to try and prevent other children from having to feel the same way.

“I hope when offenders read his words it will make them stop and think twice about the impact their crimes can have on victims and communities, and stop them ruining a family’s Christmas.”

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