POLICE have alerted antique collectors and jewellers after valuable property was stolen from an elderly woman s home. A burglar entered the home of the widow, who is in her mid-80s, in Church Lane, Arlesey, through a bathroom window on Monday last week. T

POLICE have alerted antique collectors and jewellers after valuable property was stolen from an elderly woman's home.

A burglar entered the home of the widow, who is in her mid-80s, in Church Lane, Arlesey, through a bathroom window on Monday last week.

The woman was not disturbed during the burglary with the noise of the intruder probably being masked by the TV.

Later the woman discovered her bedroom had been searched and several items of great sentimental value had been stolen.

Among the items stolen were a Victorian and an Edwardian half sovereign, which are both solid gold, and a commemorative Churchill silver medallion. All the items had been left to her by her late father.

Also stolen was a quantity of cash and jewellery which included two gold brooches and a gold bracelet.

Detectives are baffled why the stolen items included the plans and receipts for the property when it was built in 1956.

"The woman was watching television when the burglary took place and became suspicious when she went to the kitchen and noticed the bathroom door was closed. She always left it open and immediately called for help," said investigating officer Pc Ken Lemaire.

"There were no other burglaries or crime in Arlesey on the same day. We are now hoping anyone who has been offered these coins either in a pub or a jeweller or antique collector will contact us."

Anyone with information can contact Pc Lemaire on 01234 841212.