A BICESTER pensioner is warning people to be on their guard after thieves broke into her home and stole about £15,000 worth of jewellery.

Janet Parker was shocked after returning home to find doors kicked in and jewellery stolen from her home in Kennedy Road.

On the same day in a nearby street a man knocked on an 82-year-old woman’s door claiming to be a water worker.

He and up to two other men went into the house and stole bank books.

Police are appealing for witnesses to both incidents but said it was too early to know if they were linked.

Mrs Parker, 65, said: “They took a terrific amount of jewellery. There were over 70 items.

“How would they like it if this happened to their mother or sister?

“I feel I have been violated. The jewellery is irreplaceable. For a whole week now I have been on sleeping tablets and had to go to the doctor. I just feel drained.”

Mother-of-four Mrs Parker said days before the burglary a man, believed to be in his 20s, came to her door asking if she had any gold or silver for sale.

Her home was burgled between 2pm and 8pm, on Sunday, February 8.

The incident in Aldergate Road happened the smae day between 6.15pm and 6.30pm.

Mrs Parker said she hadfound a couple of her bracelet charms and an earring in an alley off Aldergate Road.

She said she is prepared to offer a reward for the return of her jewellery.

Police urged elderly residents who were suspicious about a caller to dial 999 straight away.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call Bicester police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.