A TERRIFIED burglary victim has urged the culprits to search their consciences and return her irreplaceable jewellery.

The 63-year-old retired teacher was mortified when she returned home to find a masked burglar on her doorstep and all the rooms ransacked.

Rare and distinctive jewellery, valued at about £5,000, was taken during the raid, but it is the emotional and sentimental value of the items that has left the victim traumatised by her experience.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "When I returned home and found the burglar on the step, I was horrified. It left me really frightened and extremely shook up. He ran off.

"I am just devastated and quietly angry that these people think that they can come into other people's homes and take what they want. It is extremely selfish.

"I just ask them to stop and think about what they have done and the effect it has on the victims of burglaries. Hopefully, they will search their consciences and return the sentimental jewellery to me."

Among the pieces of stolen jewellery were a pair of ammonite drop earrings in white gold, which she bought in Alaska; necklaces made by her parents in the 1920s; an 18in solid silver chain; a cultured pearl necklace; and a gold bracelet given to her by her mother before she died.

The raid at Meldyke Lane, Stainton, Middlesbrough, happened at about 9pm on Tuesday.

The burglar is believed to have escaped in a red sports-type car, which a short time later was involved in a bag snatch incident in the village.

Anyone with information relating to either incident is asked to contact PC Andy McLoughlin on (01642) 303126.