Jewellery worth £5,000 stolen in burglary
Police in north Devon are appealing for information after £5,000 worth of jewellery was stolen during a burglary at an elderly woman’s South Molton home.
The woman in her 80s, discovered her house had been burgled after returning from a holiday visiting family in Australia.
More than 20 items (pictured), including a wedding ring and eternity ring, were taken from the house in North Road sometime between the early hours of Sunday 30 March and 7pm on Sunday 1 June.
It is believed the offender(s) entered the property by removing a glass panel on the locked front door. An untidy search was carried out of the upstairs of the house and the contents of drawers and cupboards were emptied onto the bed.
DC Simon Scotthorne, Barnstaple Criminal Investigation Department, said: “This has been very upsetting for the elderly victim, particularly as she had just returned from her holiday to find the upstairs of her house had been ransacked and her precious jewellery had been taken.
“She had recently photographed the jewellery to help her decide which pieces she would like to leave to her children.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the stolen jewellery, has been offered the items for sale, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time.”
Other items taken include a large cluster pearl ring, green and pearl drop earrings, a gold cross and chain, small silver stud earrings, cameo earrings, three silver bracelets, a pearl drop and gold necklace, a black and coral necklace, a gold and white gold bracelet, pearl drop gold earrings, a plain gold chain, gold earrings, amber earrings, gold cufflinks, a silver charm bracelet (without charms), diamond and ruby broach, and a diamond and sapphire ring.
Police advice to residents going away on holiday is to try to make their home appear occupied.
Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or relative to look out for their property, ask them to collect post from the letterbox so it does not build up, put the bins out and open and close the curtains.
If they have a driveway ask a friend or neighbour to park their car there so it looks like someone is home.
For more advice visit: http://bit.ly/secureyourhomewhenonholiday
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting CR/077917/14, or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
