A 91-YEAR-old widow was forced to stand on the landing in her Wrecclesham Road home as two young burglars she had disturbed ransacked it for half-an-hour last Friday night. A three-figure reward is being offered by her family for information leading to conviction for the theft of several hundred pounds worth of cash, along with several items of jewellery of great sentimental value. "They are the scum of the earth, doing that to an old lady," said her daughter, who told The Herald she didn't know whether her mother would ever return to live in the house. She had been woken between 11 pm and midnight by what she initially thought was thunder. It was later found that windows had been broken and a door forced. The pensioner went out onto the landing and found one of the burglars standing in front of her. He told her she "would be OK", but continued to ransack the house - one of them operating upstairs, the other downstairs. Much of the stolen jewellery is irreplaceable, being gifts from the victim's late husband, who died 10 years ago. It includes an engagement ring, diamond eternity ring, garnet ring, gold necklace, gold charm bracelet and a gold watch as well as other items. The elderly woman was asked for her pension book and credit cards, but these were in the hands of another family member. The intruders, who went through her bag and purse stealing cash, accepted the explanation and she was not injured in the burglary, but was badly shaken and is very distressed. Her daughter said she had been "in a complete state of shock" and suffered palpitations and had seen the doctor and been given tranquilisers. The suspects are described as both white and around 19 years of age. They have dark hair and were wearing dark clothing - trousers and jumpers. Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the jewellery, or who has information about who may have carried out the burglary, is urged to call Surrey Police immediatley. The officer in the case is Dc Lee Hazell who can be contacted on 0845 125 2222. Alternatively calls can be made anonymously and free of charge to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
