ITEMS of sentimental value including an engagement ring and a gold watch given to a woman by her late mother have been stolen by a sneak-in burglar in Redditch.

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in a mahogany jewellery box and a black wallet containing £160 were also taken in the burglary at Southcrest Road, Southcrest, which happened between 9am and 12.30pm on Tuesday, 4 October.

The jewellery belongs to a pensioner who was away when it happened. Her husband, who is also retired, was helping an elderly neighbour with gardening a few doors away when the thief struck.

The theft was only discovered the next morning when the husband realised his wallet was missing and then found that the two-tiered jewellery box, measuring about 8x6x5 inches, had also been taken.

It contained gold and silver rings, necklaces and bracelets including his wife's engagement ring and a gold watch given to her by her late mother. There was also a blue plastic wallet containing a pearl necklace.

Detective Constable O'Reilly, from Redditch CID, said: "The husband was trying to do a good deed by helping his elderly neighbour and has ended up being burgled for his trouble. His wife is devastated about the loss of her jewellery including items of sentimental value which belonged to her mother.

"If anyone was seen acting suspiciously or an unusual vehicles were parked there then please pass that information on to us as soon as possible. We would ask people to be on the lookout for the mahogany jewellery box that was taken and to contact us if they have been offered jewellery of the type described at a bargain price."

DC O'Reilly can be contacted at Redditch CID on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident 115-S-051011, or information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are reminding people to be on their guard against sneak-in thefts and ensure doors and windows are locked even when they are at home.