Distraught pensioner pleads for return of £20,000 jewellery (From Watford Observer)

Distraught Rickmansworth pensioner pleads for return of £20,000 jewellery

9:55am Tuesday 26th May 2009 in News By Neil Skinner

A Rickmansworth pensioner has pleaded with thieves to return a diamond watch and engagement ring worth a reported £20,000.

The treasured jewellery was in a black leather handbag stolen at the Tesco supermarket last Friday afternoon, May 15.

Its 73-year-old owner, who does not wish to be named, says she is devastated by the theft, which happened at around 2.50pm in the Harefield Road branch.

She said: “It’s been terrible since they were taken – I really haven’t been able to think of anything else. I often carry my engagement ring and that watch in my bag if I’m planning to wear them later.

“Sadly that bag was taken from me with them in it. One minute I was paying for my shopping with it by my side and the next it was gone – someone must have picked it up and walked out with it.”

Hertfordshire Police, whose officers are investigating the theft, said the bag contained a diamond-studded Cartier watch and a large, solitaire diamond engagement ring and have appealed for information.

The victim added: “I’ve had these items for a very long time and have been told they are worth about £20,000. Obviously I am devastated to have lost them but this really isn’t about the money – they were both very personal to me.

“My husband bought them for me so they mean a great deal to me. I am so embarrassed that they were taken in that way but I desperately want them back.

“If anybody knows where they are I would ask them to call the police. I feel like the biggest fool but I am desperate to get them back.”

The bag also contained around £250 in cash.

Anyone with information about the theft or who knows the whereabouts of the jewellery is asked to call the police on 0845 3300 222 or the Watford Observer newsdesk on 01923 216 372.