CROOKS grabbed jewellery worth more than £1,000 after breaking into a house in Colchester.

They smashed their way through the rear patio doors of the home in Margaret Road.

Once inside they snatched a large amount of jewellery, which police say is of high sentimental value to the owner.

It happened between 7pm and 11pm on Thursday.

Officers are appealing for information and want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area at the time.

People should contact Det Con Mark Peacock at Colchester CID by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.