A HUGE haul of gold jewellery has been stolen from an elderly couple in a New Years' burglary. 

The jewellery, which is sentimental in value was taken from the couple’s home on Coniston Drive, Darwen, sometime between New Years Eve and January 2.

Among the items stolen include a gold watch on a gold beaded chain which is engraved on the rear and face, a gold cross on a gold chain, and two other gold chains. 

Other possessions stolen include a solid gold bangle bracelet and two full gold sovereign rings mounted on individual gold chains. 

Thieves also took a gold engagement ring with three diamonds on top and two either side, and a gold eternity ring with three red/pink stones separated by diamonds. 

A 22 carat gold ring with a white stone, a gold signet ring with a black face surrounded by mother of pearl, and a gold charm bracelet with a half broken buckle, were also stolen. 

People in the area expressed their shock at the burglary, which they said was the latest of several to happen in recent months. 

Michael Muldoon, 82 and Christine Muldoon, 75, who live on Coniston Drive, said: "We've been broken into three times in the last year and had laptops, money and a radio stolen.

"Break-ins are rife in the area."

Kathleen Nield, 77, who also lives on Coniston Drive with husband Keith Nield, 77, added: "We've been broken into and had an iPad and money stolen.

"There is a problem with break-ins and they seem to be targeting the elderly."

Police are now appealing for information about the burglary.

A police spokesman said: “Some of these items have been handed down through generations of the family and are of extreme sentimental value.

“If anyone comes across any of these items or is offered them for sale around the Darwen area please could they contact PC Pendlebury on 8863@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or alternatively contact 101 quoting log number 0498 of January 2.”