A SOUTH Woodford man has spoken of his heartbreak after £40,000 worth of jewellery was stolen from his home, including his sister's wedding gold.

The man, who is a city professional in his 40s but did not wish to be named for fear of thieves finding his home a second time, said: “It was my mother's gold, which was given to her by my grandfather almost 50 years ago.

“There was also my sister's wedding gold, which was given to her by her husband.

“It can't be replaced – you might get something that looks like it, but it won't be the same.”

He was looking after the jewellery for his mother, who was on holiday at the time of the burglary, which took place on January 3 in Charnwood Drive, South Woodford.

The gold was taken from a bedroom and the man believes someone may have tried to break in the previous evening after finding a piece of metal from his kitchen window in the garden.

The man said: “It was the metal from the double glazed window that holds the glass in place.

“It was as if someone had tried to gain access to the property.”

He added that his three young children are now afraid to go upstairs at night and have been badly shaken by the incident.

He also said expensive electronic equipment, including games consoles, was not taken and that he suspected someone must have known the gold was there.

The victim is now considering offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprit or culprits, although he has not yet disclosed a sum.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the burglary, which took place between about 3.30pm and 8.30pm on January 3.

It is believed an intruder or intruders broke in through the kitchen window.

Anyone with information should contact TDC Vicky Scammell at Ilford Burglary Squad on 0208 345 2610.

You can also contact the Green Street Jewellers' Association in Ilford, which has been given details of the jewellery stolen, on greenstreetsjewellers@googlemail.com