Referee Megan Leslie was at the football turf in Invercargill on Wednesday night officiating in a game when the referees room was broken into at Southland Football’s office.
Some bags were stolen, including one of hers, and among the items in it was one she treasured the most — her wedding band.
Mrs Leslie’s husband, Bradley Leslie, died four months ago of cancer.
"I didn’t realise it was gone until after I thought about what was in my bag. I was just really upset," she said.
"It’s just something I can’t get back. It is from a pretty significant day in our lives, it was important to us — and now he’s gone, the band is gone and I can’t re-create that or anything else."
Mrs Leslie had been married for about two years when she lost her husband.
While she was still trying to get used to life without him, the wedding ring was something she could look at and feel he was still with her, she said.
"The lucky thing is — well, I don’t know if I can say lucky — but at least his wedding ring is still with me as I carry it around my neck [on a necklace]. Usually I take it off when I am refereeing, but luckily I didn’t."
While other items were stolen, including clothing and a mobile phone, Mrs Leslie only cared about her ring.
She was urging people who had information to come forward, or whoever stole it to please return it.
"I just think it’s supposed to be a safe space, that you don’t feel like your stuff’s going to get stolen while you’re out there doing something to help the community and the sport.
"It’s not the money or the monetary value of it, it’s the sentimental value it has for me. I mean, it’s something that connects me to my husband and I don’t have that any more."
A police spokeswoman said they received a report about 11pm on Wednesday that a bag had been stolen earlier from a locker room.
They were making inquiries about the theft, she said.
"Anyone with information about this incident, or those who might be involved, is asked to get in touch through our 105 service, quoting file 240904/4851."
