A CHIPPING Norton man has been charged after about 5,000 suspected stolen items, including jewellery, watches and paintings, were seized by police.

The 30-year-old was arrested after police stopped a car on the M40 between Oxford and London in May. A large amount of Asian jewellery was found in the vehicle. Police believe the jewellery was stolen to be melted down and sold on.

The man, who has not been named by police, has been charged with conspiracy and proceeds of crime offences.

Det Chief Insp Liz Hanlon from Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “A phenomenal amount of property has been seized.

“I am sure the majority of it will have sentimental value and some people may have believed they would never see their belongings again.

“It is our aim to reunite people with them. We have been advised that a lot of the Asian jewellery would have been made specifically for brides to wear.

“We are working with forces across the country as part of our investigations, which are ongoing at this time as it is important we can return these items.”

Police have released photos at facebook.com/hertspolice and a video on YouTube.