Items stolen in the Highcliffe burglary included a Christmas tree brooch, filigree earrings, a gate bracelet, an engagement and wedding ring. Some of the jewellery belonged to the victim’s elderly mother.

Investigating officers are issuing images of the stolen items and are asking for witnesses to come forward.

The burglary occurred in the early hours of Sunday 6 March at Thursby Road in the Highcliffe area.

PC Greg Johnson, of Dorset Police, said: “This burglary has had a significant impact on the victim as a number of sentimental items were taken, including jewellery that belonged to his elderly mother.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Thursby Road between the evening of Saturday 5 March and the early hours of Sunday 6 March 2022 and saw or witnessed any suspicious behaviour to please come forward.

“I am issuing images of some of the stolen jewellery in the hope that someone may recognise them and know where they are or who was responsible for this offence. These items are more than just pieces of jewellery to the victim, and I would urge anyone who has seen them offered for sale locally to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220036567. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.