GOLD jewellery has been taken by crooks from a Colchester home.

A burglar broke into the house in Straight Road by forcing a rear door panel.

After ransacking the house the crook stole jewellery from a bedroom.

The break-in happened between 2-4pm on Thursday January 2.

Items taken include a broken Figaro neckchain, a Figaro bracelet, a rope necklace and bracelet, a watch with a rectangle face, a ring with one diamond and five small rubies but one missing stone, a band engagement ring with three diamonds in a row, a ring which has split and cannot be worn, with three diamonds. All the items were gold.

PC Andrea Ford, investigating officer at Colchester CID, said: "The jewellery has great sentimental value to the owners."

Anyone with information should contact PC Ford at Colchester Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.