POLICE are appealing for help from the public and local businesses in tracking down £20,000 worth of stolen jewellery.

The high value items were taken from a house in the Booths Hall area of Knutsford while it was undergoing renovations.

Following the completion of the work the owner discovered that the jewellery was missing and she contacted the police.

Officers have been carrying out inquiries with local pawnbrokers to see whether they have been offered any of the stolen items, and Knutsford Police have this week issued a public appeal for help.

A total of nine items of jewellery were taken sometime between September and November, when the renovations were being carried out, and the owner discovered they were missing when she checked the property in January.

The stolen items include pendants, a ring, a bracelet and necklace, and police have released a picture of distinctive pearl earrings which were among the items taken.

“These items of jewellery hold a very personal and sentimental value to the victim,” said PC Matt Chapman from Knutsford Police.

“The earrings are real pearls, as opposed to fresh water or cultured pearls, and were bought in South Africa, one of which was replaced several years ago by a jeweller in Altrincham.”

PC Chapman is appealing for information from members of the public who may have seen, bought or have been offered any of the stolen items.

The jewellery includes a 14 carat Belcher gold bracelet with a gold 20 Corona coin surmounted on a nine carat frame on the bracelet.

The haul included nine carat yellow gold octagonal cufflinks, diamond, pearl diamond and stone diamond pendants, an amethyst dress ring, a sovereign gold Belcher necklace and a D-shaped bangle.

The pearl earrings are 18 carat white gold.

“Since the owner reported the theft to us we have been carrying out extensive inquiries with local pawnbrokers to see if they have been offered any of the stolen items,” said PC Chapman.

If anyone can help police inquiries into the break-in please ring 101, quoting incident number CC15048164, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.