AN eldery woman was forced to sit in her chair whilst her home was burgled by four men wearing surgical masks, last Wednesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after the four men broke into the home of the woman, in her 80s, in Boundary Road, Coalpit Heath.

The men forced the front door and told the woman, to stay in her chair whilst they ransacked her house.

It was reported at about 6.20pm, after the woman's son came home.

After forcing the door, the men searched the upstairs rooms and took a freestanding safe which contained items belonging to the woman's son including:

· Cash and personal papers

· A silver pocket watch engraved 'H Samuel Liverpool'

· An Ingersoll pocket watch in a leather case which is of sentimental value to the victim having belonged to his grandfather.

· A Windows Vista computer

They also took cash from the woman's handbag.

The suspects were all white and wore surgical masks. One wore a light blue hooded top.

Some paperwork as well as the empty safe and other items were found dumped on land off Hambrook Lane near its junction with Harry Stoke Lane and Church Road, Stoke Gifford, by a member of the public. It has been seized by officers.

Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area and sent out a Neighbourhood Watch alert.

If you were in the Boundary Road area on Wednesday afternoon and saw anyone acting suspiciously, or saw the items being dumped off Hambrook Lane, please call 101 quoting reference 5220260668.

Officers are especially keen to hear from you if you have any dashcam, CCTV or smart doorbell footage which could help.

Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never tell the police who you are, just what you know.

To keep your home and belongings safe, follow these steps:

· Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked, if you’re not in the room, before you go out and before you go to bed. Set the alarm if you have one

· Always double-lock uPVC doors using the key as well as lifting the handle

· Ideally keep jewellery with a secure storage company, as thieves have been known to steal whole safes. If you do use a safe make sure you invest in a good quality one that’s professionally fitted and mounted to a solid wall or floor

· Take photos of your valuables and write a short description of each one

· Mark your jewellery with a forensic security liquid

· Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home. Store it in a bank, building society or post office account

· Install burglar alarms and CCTV

· Join Neighbourhood Watch

Always tell police about any suspicious activity as it happens by calling 101. Remember to pass on vehicle details and descriptions. If you think a crime is underway, it’s always 999.

For more information on how to protect your house from burglary see our advice page on securing your property - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/protecting-your-home-and-property/ensure-your-property-is-secure/