DETECTIVES are linking a distraction burglary that happened in east Cleveland with a series of similar offences in North Yorkshire.

An 88-year-old woman was targeted in the Cleveland View area of Marske on Tuesday, August 9 at 11am when a man knocked on her door claiming he had lost his ball in the garden of her home and asked if he could look for it.

The victim allowed the man to have a look and as she helped him search for the ball, a second man entered the property and stole a large quantity of sentimental jewellery.

The haul included a gold cygnet ring with single diamond; a gold ring with ruby and diamond stones; a gold ring covered with rows of small diamonds; gold earrings; gold earrings with a pearl; gold earrings with double pearls; gold ring with an emerald and diamond stone; gold ring with rectangular opal and diamond shoulders; gold garnet ring with pearls; gold garnet ring with diamonds; gold ring with sapphire and diamond stones; gold engagement ring with three diamonds; gold 24 carat gold bracelet; and a pearl covered gold brooch.

Cleveland Police believe it is similar distraction burglaries have also occurred in the North Yorkshire area.

Anyone with nformation is asked to call 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org