A woman has vowed to turn her home into ‘Fort Knox’ after thieves stole jewellery which belonged to her late husband.

Nicola Bate’s home in Nounsley Road, Hatfield Peverel, was targeted by thieves while she was at work.

The legal secretary, 44, was working in London when the culprits gained access by smashing a patio door and glass panels.

They stole £24,000 of jewellery belonging to Mrs Bate and her late husband, who died two years ago.

Mrs Bate said: “I think these people need to revisit their conscience. They are opportunists. They will take whatever they can to make a fast buck. They have no thought process about people’s feelings."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for more.