A valuable handbag, rings and other jewellery have been stolen after thieves broke into a St Ippolyts home.

Detectives are appealing for information after the incident, which took place near Stevenage Road between 4.30pm on Thursday, January 7 and 1pm the following day.

The intruders forced entry through a window at the back of the house and stole six rings, a Dior handbag, at least three necklaces, two more sets of earrings and other jewellery.

Det Con Craig Blake said: “The items taken are quite distinctive so would be recognisable to anyone who has come across them in recent days. It is possible the items have been offered for sale. If you believe you may know the whereabouts of the items, please get in touch.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the times stated. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information that could assist is asked to contact Det Con Blake via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference G1/16/60.

Alternatively contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.