A VALUABLE watch and a diamond encrusted ring worth thousands of pounds were stolen from a Basingstoke woman’s home as she sat watching television.

The burglary happened on Thursday September 23 at 9.40pm while the 47-year-old was at her home in Abbey Road, Popley.

While she was watching television in the living room someone entered through the back door of her home and stole a handbag containing jewellery and cash.

The jewellery included a Gucci watch and a 21 carat gold ring with 37 diamonds worth around £3,000.

PC David Sacree, of the Basingstoke Priority Crime Unit, said: “The items that were stolen are of great sentimental value to the victim and she is desperate to have them returned.

“We would ask anyone who was in the Abbey Road area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact us. We also want to hear from anyone who may have been offered jewellery, specifically a ring matching the description of the one stolen during this burglary.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Sacree at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.