Family in ‘anguish’ as sentimental jewellery stolen from Washington home

A family have been left in 'anguish' after thieves made off with a haul of high-value, sentimental jewellery.

The incident took place shortly after 5pm on Thursday, September 30, at an address in the Hope Shields area of Rickleton, Washington.

Thieves took a haul of high-value gold jewellery from the property.

The ornate Indian pieces included earrings, necklaces containing ruby and emerald stones, and bangles.

Northumbria Police have said that the burglary caused "considerable upset and anguish for the victims" due to the sentimentality of the jewellery.

An investigation into the break-in is ongoing and officers are appealing to the public for any help.

They want to speak to anybody who saw anything suspicious in the area, or who have recently been offered jewellery matching that description, to come forward.

Detectives are especially keen to hear from anybody who saw a suspicious vehicle in the area on the afternoon in question.

Detective Constable Louise Edwards, of Northumbria Police’s Southern Burglary Team, said: “Burglary is such an intrusive crime and we are determined to identify those responsible.

“They have broken into a family home and stolen a significant amount of jewellery which is of huge sentimental value to the victims.

“We are continuing to carry out a range of enquiries into this incident, but are now asking anybody with information to come forward.

“Have you been offered to buy any high-value jewellery in recent days? Or do you live in the area and did you see occupants of any vehicle acting suspiciously? Please check any CCTV or dashcam footage and get in touch if you can assist.

“We will continue to do all we can to tackle burglars and thieves, and anybody found to be involved can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police via the 'Tell Us Something' part of their website and quote case number 107758R/21.