A burglar stole gold jewellery worth more than £10,000 in a break-in at a property in Brighton.
The victim, a 63-year-old widow, came home to find that an intruder had taken a suitcase of distinctive Asian gold jewellery, much of which had belonged to his late wife.
Among the items that were stolen were gold bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings.
Sussex Police said that the burglar forced open a window at the property in Rushlake Road, Coldean, between 6pm on Tuesday (18 March) and 11am on Wednesday (19 March).
Detective Constable Scott Moore said: “Whoever broke in searched the house thoroughly before leaving with the large quantity of gold jewellery.
“High-value electrical items such as laptops and TVs were left behind which would suggest the thief was only looking for small items that could be easily carried away and sold on.
“If you are offered the chance to buy gold jewellery at low prices please contact us.
“I would also urge residents to be watchful for people acting suspiciously in their community.
“If you see someone behaving oddly near your home or one of your neighbours’ homes please call 999 immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
