"Priceless" family heirlooms which belonged to a man's recently deceased mother have been stolen and now he has issued a heartfelt plea to the burglars to get them back.

Andrew West, 51, of Bridle Path, in Beddington, recently moved into his parent's house from his previous home in Carshalton after his mother died in February.

Burglars broke into Mr West's house between 1.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday, May 20, by smashing windows at the back of the home.

Once the burglars were in they stole £8,000 from a safe and five rings belonging to his parents and other family members.

The money had been saved up for a holiday to Australia.

Mr West said: "Yes, losing the money is devastating, but it's more important to me that I get my parents' jewellery back.

"Among what was taken was my mother and father's wedding and engagement rings.

"You can't put a price on those things. They're priceless.

"I buried my mum three months ago and for this to happen so soon after she died is completely devastating."

Mr West said that when he put the key into the door it opened, so he believes they may have left from the front.

He added: "It was devastating to see what damage they had done to the house, I was in complete despair.

"And when I realised what had been taken I was physically sick."

Mr West did not think his house was picked at random and said he thought it was carried out by seasoned burglars.

He said: "The people who did this were clearly professionals.

"They knew when I'd be in and out of the house. It's clear they did their homework.

"Hopefully this won't happen to others, but if there is a group going into houses and taking things, people need to know to keep things secure."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Sutton police station on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.