JEWELLERY worth £10,000 was stolen by sneak thieves who broke in to a house while the owners were away.

Among a haul of distinctive jewellery are diamond rings, and necklaces set in gold and silver.

Police believe the thieves will have tried to sell the pieces and yesterday appealed to readers of The Bolton News to track down the jewellery and catch the burglars.

The house, in The Crescent, Westhoughton, was raided between 2pm on Monday, June 19, and 2.50pm on Tuesday, June 20.

Thieves are believed to have used a step ladder to climb in through a first-floor window which had been left open.

Sgt Ian Brammer, of Bolton police said: "The pieces of jewellery taken in this burglary are very distinctive and I am certain that they have been stolen to be sold.

"They are distinctive and we are releasing pictures in the hope that somebody will be able to help us trace the items.

"We would be keen to hear from anybody who has been offered this jewellery or knows anything about its whereabouts so that it can be returned to its rightful owners.

"I would also want to remind people that it is important for them to keep doors and windows shut and locked at all times."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 0963 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.