POLICE today appealed for information after two youths stole jewellery from an elderly woman's home in School Lane, Middleton Stoney, yesterday.

Between 6.40pm and 7pm two youths entered the house through the front door. The householder disturbed one of them upstairs and he said he thought the property was a guest house. The victim set off her alarm and ran to a neighbour's house and the men ran off.

Two gold chains, a diamond engagement ring set with five diamonds, a pearl ring set with five pearls and another pearl ring were stolen.

The first youth is about 17 years old, very thin with black hair. He was wearing a black sweatshirt with writing on it and black trousers. The second is around 16 years old, thin and was wearing a grey top. They may have been with a blonde woman in her forties, who was seen outside.

Det Con Paddy O'Grady, from Kidlington police said: "This was a frightening incident for the elderly victim and she has been left shocked and distraught at the theft of her jewellery.

"I would urge anyone who saw the offenders hanging around the area or who has been offered this jewellery for sale to contact me as soon as possible.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that burglars are often opportunistic and if they find an open door, they will use it, even if the householder is at home. For crime reduction advice, contact your local crime reduction officer via 0845 8 505 505."

Det Con O'Grady can be contacted via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, if you don't want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.