BURGLARS stole items of sentimental value, including jewellery and medals, from a Blackwell house.

The theft happened at a property in Linthurst Newtown between 6.30pm on Sunday, December 22, and 10.45am on Monday, December 23.

The offenders forced a side window of the house, and inside searched the bedroom and lounge.

Wedding, eternity and engagement rings, several gold necklaces and a number of distinctive medals were all taken.

The medals were a gold athletics medal with the three pears Worcestershire design, two silver medals for short distance athletics and one bronze medal for short distance athletics.

A half gold sovereign in a red box, with a certificate, was also stolen, as well as a four-year-old Packard Bell EasyNote MH laptop, valued at about £300 to £500.

Detective Constable Mark Lazenby said: “This is a particularly upsetting crime as the items were of great sentimental value to the owner.

“I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Linthurst Newtown area, during Sunday evening and into Monday morning, to contact us.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who is offered any of these items.”

Anyone with information that could help trace the stolen items, and find those responsible, is asked to call DC Lazenby on non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 164S 231213.

Alternatively, information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.