There's an appeal after an 83-year-old woman had sentimental items of jewellery stolen from her home in Chichester.
It happened between 12pm and 1pm on Friday (July 8) in Green Lane.
A man knocked on her door, offering to renovate her front patio but she closed the door on him.
He returned the following day claiming to be from the gas board, but the victim did not recognise him and allowed him to enter her home.
Police say he 'ransacked' her home unchallenged for around 10 minutes.
After he told her the work was complete and he was leaving, she then recognised the man from the day before.
She described him as in his 30s-40s, around 5’5” tall, tanned skin, clean shaven with a protruding stomach and was wearing a dark coloured baseball hat, darker blue shirt and brown/beige coloured shorts.
Some of the items stolen were:
- A gold engagement ring with a central sapphire and surrounded by diamonds.
- A gold eternity ring with small diamond studs.
- A crystal necklace
- A emerald and diamond brooch which are in a pattern.
- A parrot brooch
- A gold charm bracelet
- A silver Sekonda watch which was her late husband’s
- Several pairs of earrings.
Police Constable Douglas Young said:
“This is a despicable crime and we will do everything possible to catch those responsible. The jewellery taken in this incident is of great sentimental value due to links with the victim’s late husband and irreplaceable. I would urge anybody with information about this incident to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information which could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it online or call 101 quoting serial number 636 of 08/07.
Alternatively you can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.
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