Burglars stole £1,200 of jewellery while the householder was in the front room.
They entered an unlocked back door at a house in Bulford Lane, Black Notley, and the victim heard a bang in the kitchen.
The suspects took two brooches worth £140, a Seco gold watch worth £200, six gold chains worth £300, six silver chains worth £100 and a gold bracelet worth £500.
Call DC 2897 Baron at Braintree CID on 101.
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