POLICE are appealing for jewellers and coin experts to help them trace stolen items worth more than £10,000.

Thieves broke into a bungalow in Horden, east Durham, between 9.45am and 12.45pm on Wednesday.

They forced open a window in the conservatory and went into the main bedroom, where they raided a cabinet containing an antique coin collection and several items of jewellery.

These included a gold and silver Rolex watch worth £6,000, a solid gold chain mail watch worth £3,000 and a gold gentleman's bracelet worth £1,000.

They also took two sets of Georgian coins, each of which was kept in a display folder and contained ten coins.

The owner is offering a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the items.

DC Brian Roberts, of Peterlee CID, said the items, especially the coins, would not be easy to dispose of.

He said: "We are hoping specialist dealers will contact us if they are offered the coins or jewellery in the next few days.

"They are items which would certainly draw attention to whoever is offering them for sale."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Peterlee CID, on 0191-586 2621, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.