A WOMAN who started a drama and music club has been left “devastated” after her kangaroo mascot was stolen.

Ruth Silver, who runs Kangaroo Kids across Barnet, was packing her car in Woodhouse Road, Finchley, on March 31 when her blue suitcase was stolen.

It contained Roo, the mascot which she took to all her children’s parties and classes.

Ms Silver suspects someone took the suitcase thinking it contained valuables so snatched it.

The 33-year-old said: “I had the suitcase leaning against the car for two seconds. Someone must have come by and taken it – there’s just no other way it could have happened.

“I had a bit of a life change and I set up the company myself. It represents young people setting up their own business and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

“The kangaroo was a really important part of it. He was really special to me.”

She has had to fork out £500 for a replacement mascot but in the meantime has to use a smaller version of the stuffed animal.

But children know the difference and she says the replacement puppet is “not up to the same level”.

She added: “I know there are much worse things going on in the world but I don’t have much hope because either they would have given it to a child or just thrown it away.

“The kangaroo is part of the class. It’s been devastating.

“I was really upset. Whatever one I get now it is not the one I used when I set up the business.”

She holds up to eight classes a week in Finchley, Hendon and at Belmont’s Children’s Farm in Mill Hill.

She added: “The puppet is in the suitcase when I start the birthday party and I ask the children if there’s someone missing.

“The kangaroo comes out and they are very excited. I have written my own song and the children dance to it.”

She holds up to eight classes a week in Finchley, Hendon and at Belmont’s Children’s Farm in Mill Hill.

Do you know where Roo is? E-mail aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk.