A woman is left devastated after a thief broke into her house and stole around £7,000 worth of her jewellery.

Donna Whayling, from Church Parade, Canvey, was deeply saddened when she discovered the thief had taken sentimental jewellery that was gifted to her from deceased family members.

She is desperately urging residents to provide any information they know to police.

The suspect smashed a window at the back of her house and ransacked her home before making off with the victim’s valuables last Wednesday between 8.30am until 4.15pm.

She said: “It was just a manic and depressing day. I’m just so angry and upset. My husband and I were at work when it happened.

“About £7,000 worth of jewellery was taken and that includes a £3,000 Rolex watch. He took all my sentimental pieces, a few watches, sunglasses, cufflinks, earrings and Pandoras. Most of them were inside a jewellery box.

“My dad passed away 22 years ago when he was 47 and he gave me a 22ct gold curb chain, and I was given a ruby and sapphire eternity from my grandmother.

“My mother, who is still alive, gave me a charm bracelet and that’s gone too. He also stole a diamond bracelet that was given to me on my wedding day.”

Ms Whayling said her husband returned home just after 4pm to take their dog out for a walk.

She said: “He came in the house and took the dog out through the garage and took him over the field. He looked into our garden from the field and noticed the french windows were smashed in.

“He called the police and went into the house and noticed something wasn’t right. We believe the thief entered into the living room which was closed off from our dog. He went upstairs and closed the stair gate so my dog wasn’t able to follow him."

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police received reports of a burglary in Church Parade, Canvey, between 8.30am and 4.15pm on Wednesday, February 7. Suspects smashed a window at the rear of the property before carrying out a messy search inside. The victim reported that jewellery was stolen. Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Basildon CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/18112/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111"