Burgess Hill couple heartbroken after losing £60,000 worth of jewellery in burglary

A devastated Burgess Hill couple have told of their heartbreak at losing £60,000 worth of jewellery in a burglary.
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Brazen burglars smashed their way through Percy and Dolly’ Williams’ home in Coopers Close, Burgess Hill, on October 22.

They trashed the elderly couple’s lounge before stealing £260 in cash and thousands of pounds worth of jewellery – including Dolly’s engagement ring – from the couple’s bedroom.

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The couple are now offering a £10,000 cash reward for anyone who has information that could lead to the return of the jewellery.

Percy and Dolly Williams, from Burgess HillPercy and Dolly Williams, from Burgess Hill
Percy and Dolly Williams, from Burgess Hill

Dolly, aged 90, said: “We went out at 5.20pm to have birthday cake and tea up the road as it was our great-granddaughter’s birthday. We came back at 6.50pm and they must have still been in the house.

“We walked in and my handbag was on the floor, I usually take it out with me but I didn’t this time as we were only going up the road.

“There were bits of paper on the floor and my debit card was on the chair – £260 cash had been taken from my purse in my handbag.

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“Percy then went out in the kitchen and realised we had been broken into. They had smashed their way through the back door.

“I broke down. I was just so upset and in shock. The thought that someone had been in my bedroom. We were only gone for an hour and a half.”

Percy, aged 87, said: “I thought Dolly was going to have a heart attack. I felt shocked at first. What makes me more mad is they were running around when I was looking at what they had done. We were lucky we didn’t get hurt.”

The couple called their daughter, Karen, who came round straight away and phoned the police.

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Karen said: “I was angry. When people break into someone’s house, they don’t know the devastation they leave behind. It is not just coming in and stealing things – it is the aftermath.

“What these people have done is they have taken stuff that was going to be passed on to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but now it is just gone.

“I know mum and dad are not alone. It makes you realise how vulnerable old people are in their homes.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police quoting crime reference number 47190181519.