THIEVES stole £10,000 of unique jewellery in a raid on a Darwen home – but failed to spot a rare Banksy hanging on the wall.

The burglary at the home of airline pilots Martin and Emma Vizzard, off Bolton Road, saw more than 30 necklaces, watches and rings stolen.

But the thieves failed in their bid to steal Mr Vizzard’s £58,000 TVR Sagaris sportscar and after ransacking the first floor of his home left the downstairs untouched, where a painting by Banksy, the controversial graffitti artist, worth £2,000 hangs.

Mr Vizzard, 34, who grew up in the town and now works for luxury airline Netjets, which is based in Lisbon, said: “We have been completely violated.

“The stuff that has ben stolen can be replaced but from a personal point of view it is horrendous that people have been through the house. No amount of money can compensate for that.”

The couple were away on holiday in Dubai at the time of the burglary early on Friday.

Police said that the Vizzard’s home was one of three targetted over the weekend in the area.

Two other break-ins were thwarted after the burgalrs were disturbed.

The burglars broke into the Vizzard’s house by a rear patio door.

Mr Vizzard said every piece of jewellery that he has bought his wife, who is also a pilot for delivery firm DHL, in the past eight years was taken.

He added: “Most of the jewellery was unique. My wife makes many pieces as a hobby and it is heartbreaking that so much has been taken.”

Among the pieces stolen was a distinctive limited edition charcoal-coloured Omega titanium watch worth £2,500 and a silver woman’s Armarni necklace worth £1,000.

DS Ian Geogarty said one of the burglars was described as male, 180cms tall and wearing dark clothing and a beany hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.