HEARTLESS thieves stole jewellery and ripped open Christmas presents after breaking into a house in Basingstoke.

The burglary in Kempshott Lane, Kempshott, took place between 2pm and 4pm on Monday after raiders smashed a side window at the side of the house.

Once inside, they stole jewellery, cash and cigarettes, and even ripped open presents that were laid under a Christmas tree.

Jayne Penny, 55, said the presents were for her grandchildren. She told The Gazette she was particularly keen to trace some of the stolen jewellery that was given to her by her late grandmothers.

They include a gold necklace with a diamond in the middle, and a necklace made up of twisted links.

Amongst the other items stolen were a Venetian glass necklace, pearl necklaces and bracelet hallmarked on each link and made of rose gold.

Mrs Penny said: “I did not realise we had such lowlife in Basingstoke. I am very upset that somebody could do something like that. They took what my grandmothers gave to me and they are not with me any more.

“They had pulled all out drawers out and tipped everything upside down and they had pushed all the clothes out of the wardrobe.”

The burglary was discovered by Mrs Penny’s husband when he returned home from work. Anyone with information on the burglary, or who has been offered some of the stolen jewellery for sale, is asked to call PC Lisa Cooper, at Basingstoke police station, on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.