THOUSANDS of pounds worth of jewellery was stolen in Southend yesterday.

Detectives are appealing for information after a house in Keith Way, Southend, was broken into between 9am and 6.30pm.

The owners returned home to find their porch window has been smashed and their house ransacked with jewellery and other items worth in the region of £10,000 stolen.

Dc Layla Barker of Southend CID said: "The jewellery that was stolen was of immense sentimental value to the family and they are devastated.

“This is a quiet residential neighbourhood and I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact us.”

Anyone that can help with any information about the burglary, or if anybody saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area is asked to contact Dc Layla Barker on Essex Police 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police are also urging residents to keep their homes secure, especially during summer when doors and windows may be left open.

A range of crime prevention and home security information is available on the Essex Police website www.essex.police.uk in the Be Safe section.