A devastated Moray family have offered a £1,000 reward after tens of thousands of pounds of jewellery were stolen from their home in a “senseless act of criminality”.
Thieves made off with a significant haul, said to be worth at least £100,000, which included a number of rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets and earrings.
The property in Buckie’s Cathedral Street was targeted between 9pm on Friday March 8 and 3pm the following day.
The theft has shocked local residents, while a councillor said the theft was both “sad” and “out of character” for the town.
Images of the items – which have huge sentimental value in addition to their monetary value – have been circulated online.
And the distraught family released a statement through the police detailing how much they had been affected by the crime.
They said: “The jewellery stolen has been collected throughout a lifetime and many of the items taken have sentimental value and cannot be replaced.
“We are devastated by what has happened and ask that anyone who may have information, no matter how small, which could assist police gets in touch with them.”
Buckie councillor Gordon Cowie said he was dismayed by the break-in and offered his sympathy to the family.
He said: “It is so sad this kind of theft has taken place in Buckie. Nothing like this ever usually happens here.
“I think it is very out of character for the town.
“This was a senseless act and I hope the culprits are found quickly.
“My sympathy goes towards the family affected.”
In the haul of high-value items taken by thieves were a number of items whose image has been circulated.
The pieces, featuring diamonds, emeralds, gold and pearls, included:
• A platinum three stone ring featuring round brilliant cut diamonds in a six claw setting.
• A 9ct yellow gold Mabe pearl ring in a bezel setting.
• A platinum flower-shaped ring, featuring six cabochon cut green emeralds and three round brilliant cut diamonds in a claw setting.
• An 18ct yellow gold illusion set diamond solitaire engagement ring.
• An 18ct yellow gold, 6mm wide wedding ring with diamond cut edging.
• A Japanese 7mm Akoya pearl strand individually knotted with a yellow gold hook clasp.
• A 9ct yellow gold wide domed Ola Gorie ring.
• 18ct yellow gold antique style hinged bangle featuring oval cut blue sapphires and with two round brilliant cut diamonds set between each sapphire with a yellow gold safety chain.
Other items that are not within images but were also taken and have been described as “unique or distinctive” were an 18ct white gold three stone ring featuring a pear shaped blue Tanzanite, with a round brilliant cut diamond claw set either side, and an 18ct yellow gold half-moon shaped brooch featuring round faceted blue sapphires and round brilliant cut diamonds, a yellow gold safety chain and safety catch.
Detective Sergeant George Nixon urged anyone who might have been offered any of the items to contact the police immediately.
He said: “This incident has understandably been very distressing for the property owners and we are carrying out a thorough investigation.
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“I would appeal to anyone who may have been driving in the area and have dash cam footage to check this and contact police.
“I would also urge anyone who has been offered items for sale and may have concern as to where they have come from to contact police.”
Anyone with information can contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Fellow Buckie councillor, Sonya Warren, added: “It’s a really unfortunate event and I really feel for the people involved and hope people come forward with information.
“There’s always sentimental value attached to jewellery worth more than the physical value, no matter how much its costs.
“If it’s something given to commemorate or celebrate a key moment in life, then there is no way to replace it.”