COLLECTIBLES and cash were taken from the home of a Hampshire pensioner in broad daylight.

Intruders forced a rear window at the property in Ashurst and stole five porcelain figures, worth around £100 each, £350 in cash and jewellery.

The 81-year-old victim of the burglary, who did not want to be identified, said she had inherited four of the figures from her late mother.

“I’ve had my Royal Doulton figurines for some 25 years and they have tremendous sentimental value," she said.

“The other item that was stolen is a bangle that was given to me for my 21st birthday. I’ve got wrists that mean I can’t wear it now, but I shall miss that greatly. I so hope some of these items come back to me."

The victim said she was surprised to have been burgled in the middle of the day – the break-in occurred last Wednesday (March 15) between 8am and 3pm.

“I can’t believe how brazen the burglars were, it makes me feel slightly intimidated in my own house," she said. "I was out playing golf for a good portion of the day, they must have sat and watched me beforehand to know my routine.

“I shall carry on living my life the way I enjoy, it won’t shake me too much, but of course it did come as a huge shock to me.”

Police Investigator Helen Mills said she would like anyone with information about the burglary to contact police on 023 80 533 231.