An elderly couple are devastated at the theft of treasured family jewellery and mementoes of 46 years of marriage in a day time raid on their Ashtead home.

The burglar who climbed into their Overdale home using a wooden ladder while the couple were out, carried away many thousands of pounds worth of rare and distinctive jewellery in a large Walkers crisps cardboard box.

The items stolen during the raid between 10am and 1pm on Friday November 27 included a gold charm bracelet, diamond-cut cigarette lighter and fob chain-watch.

Other items stolen include a Cameo earring and necklace set, a silver wrist watch with a mauve face, a ruby necklace, two pearl necklaces, a ring with seven diamonds and a silver Canon digital camera containing family photographs.

The charm bracelet contained several distinctive charms including a gondola, a Corgi dog and a Sputnik.

The victim said: “A lot of the jewellery was my mum’s, items which have passed down to me over the years. The charm bracelet was very distinctive and lots of the charms hold very dear and special memories such as when my husband and I first met or the birth of our first son.

“We’ve been married 46-years and each birthday, anniversary and Christmas we bought each other jewellery which is why so much of the items are completely irreplaceable.

"My emotions change from minute to minute, I am very angry they have come into our home and stolen my valuable possessions but I am very sad I may never get to see my jewellery again.”

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Simon Quinn said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the Ashtead area on Friday to think back.

"Do you recall seeing a man carrying a ladder in Overdale and didn’t think anything was suspicious at the time? Or perhaps you saw someone walking along the road holding a large cardboard box near to Overdale?

"By piecing all of this information together could provide the breakthrough I need in order to reunite this elderly couple with their much loved and treasured items.

“I am also appealing to jewellers, pawn shops, auction houses and the man down the pub, if you are offered beautiful, expensive, jewellery at a bargain price then it more than likely was stolen from these victims.

"I know this burglary has totally devastated the victims and with your help we can reassure these victims by removing those responsible from the streets.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.

• Do you know more? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.