Information appeal after vulnerable woman from Chichester has sentimental jewellery stolen

Police are appealing for information after sentimental jewellery was stolen from a vulnerable woman at her home between 12pm and 1pm on Friday (July 8) in Green Lane, Chichester.

The victim, an 83-year-old woman, was approached the day before by a man offering to renovate her front patio but she closed the door on him.

He returned the following day claiming to be from the gas board, but sadly the victim did not recognise him and allowed the man to enter her home.

After entering her home he ransacked the property unchallenged for around 10 minutes.

Sadly the victim recognised the man after he told her that he was leaving after the work had been complete.

He is described as being in his 30s-40s, around 5’5” tall, tanned skin, clean shaven with a protruding stomach and was wearing a dark coloured baseball hat, darker blue shirt and brown/beige coloured shorts.

Some of the items stolen were:

• A gold engagement ring with a central sapphire and surrounded by diamonds.
• A gold eternity ring with small diamond studs.
• A crystal necklace
• A emerald and diamond brooch which are in a pattern.
• A parrot brooch
• A gold charm bracelet
• A silver Sekonda watch which was her late husband’s
• Several pairs of earrings.

Police Constable Douglas Young said: “This is a despicable crime and we will do everything possible to catch those responsible. The jewellery taken in this incident is of great sentimental value due to links with the victim’s late husband and irreplaceable. I would urge anybody with information about this incident to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information which could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it online or call 101 quoting serial number 636 of 08/07.

Alternatively you can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

Operation Signature is the force campaign to identify and support vulnerable victims of fraud. Their website has an extensive amount of information and resources to help prevent people falling victim to fraud.