Burglars have stolen £500,000 worth of jewellery from a family home in south-east London, including treasured heirlooms passed down through generations. The Metropolitan Police described the theft as having "enormous" monetary value but "priceless" sentimental worth.
Three men forced their way into the house in Bickley Road, Bromley, through a bathroom window on the evening of Monday 30th December 2024. The raiders struck while the homeowners were out, entering at 5.40pm and leaving 45 minutes later at 6.25pm.
Police release stolen item images
Detective Constable Jamie White, of the Met's South Area Command Unit, said many of the stolen pieces were unique family heirlooms. Police have released photographs of several stolen items in hopes of tracing them and recovering the collection.
"While the monetary value of this theft is enormous, the sentimental value is priceless - with many of the pieces being passed down through generations of the family," White said. He added that the unique nature of many pieces could help identify them if they surface elsewhere.
Appeal for public assistance
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen the stolen jewellery or knows of someone handling the goods to come forward. The Met is particularly hopeful that the distinctive nature of the pieces will jog someone's memory.
Anyone with information can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 01/1257889/24. People can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
