Police are searching for a stolen jewellery box containing the ashes of a loved one.

The burglary took place at a home in Stapleton Road, Boreahmwood last Sunday (April 4) at some point between 2pm and 8.20pm.

Two charm bracelets worth thousands of pounds were stolen along with a jewellery box containing the ashes of the victim’s late wife.

Now Hertfordshire Constabulary are investigating in hopes to trace the jewellery box.

The box is described as a small dark oak brown box, 3inch tall with the dimensions of 3 x 3 inches.

The force says it looks like a jewellery treasure chest and it has three legs, with one missing.

It is possible that the box itself has bene discarded since the burglary.

Investigator Kay Leverton, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said: “The ashes in particular of course hold great sentimental value to the victim. I cannot imagine what they and the family are going through and I desperately urge anybody with information to get in touch.

“Were you in the area? Did you see suspicious activity? Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could be vital for our investigation and finding the ashes and jewellery.

“I would also like to appeal directly to those who stole the ashes. Please, please do the right thing and return the ashes to Borehamwood Police Station. Your actions have caused huge hurt to the family and they are desperate for the ashes to be returned.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number 101 or to email at kay.leverton@herts.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/24311/21.

Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org