Burglars stole a large collection of gold coins as well as electronics and jewellery.

The thieves broke a window to get into a house in Westfield Avenue, Watford between 5.50pm on Thursday, May 17 and 6pm on Monday, May 21.

Once inside, they ransacked the house and stole jewellery, a Samsung 46in television, a Virgin Media box, an X Box and two controllers, bicycles and food, along with a large collection of commemorative gold coins.

Investigator Abigail Bianco said: “These coins are of huge sentimental value to the victims, who had planned to hand them down to relatives.

“I’m appealing for anyone who may have been offered coins for sale in suspicious circumstances or believes they have seen the coins being offered for sale locally to get in touch.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in Westfield Avenue between the times stated.”

Anyone with information should contact Abigail by calling the non-emergency number 101 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report.

They can also contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.