BURGLARS escaped with a haul of jewellery after targeting a house on New Year’s Eve.

Thieves struck at the house in the Stanley area while the occupants, a couple in their 70s, were out shopping.

Jewellery worth about £900 was stolen from Rosmar House, in Old South Moor, between 10.30am and 12.10pm on Monday, December 31.

Police say the thief got into the couple’s home after using a plant pot to smash the bathroom window.

All of the rooms were searched and the thief escaped via the back door, taking keys with them.

Detective Constable Ian Waslin, of Stanley CID, said: “I would appeal to anyone with information about the burglary to contact police.

“If you saw people acting suspiciously in the area or vehicles that wouldn’t usually be at that location then please let us know.

“Most of the jewellery items are made of gold and are of sentimental value to the victims.”

Stanley police can be contacted via the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.