A BURGLARY committed by a “meticulous” thief was undiscovered for hours because he was so tidy.

The culprit stole irreplaceable jewellery of huge sentimental value to the victim, Heather Wood.

Mrs Wood, of Comeytrowe Road, Taunton, only found out she had been targeted when she noticed the blind swaying as she had breakfast.

“I’d been to Kent to see my sister on the Friday (January 9) and went to bed unaware anything was up when I got home on Sunday night,” said Mrs Wood, aged 69.

“Next morning I was sitting having a coffee when I saw the blind moving at the bottom of the patio door, which was slightly ajar – I couldn’t close it and then noticed it had been jemmied open.

“I hadn’t noticed anything had been misplaced until then, but when I went upstairs and looked through the drawer where I keep my jewellery, I saw all the boxes still neatly stacked, but totally empty.

“Whoever did it was quite professional and very tidy and made a meticulous search of my home.”

Among the items stolen were: *her mother’s engagement ring from 1933, which has a black opal on a platinum band with a little diamond on either side.

*Mrs Wood’s engagement ring featuring a green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds and given to her by her late husband Chris in 1967.

*her gold band wedding ring from 1968.

*a gold charm bracelet with a Swiss chalet to commemorate her honeymoon.

*a pearl pendant she received for her 21st birthday.

*a gold ring with clasped hands.

*diamante drop earrings.

*lockets her current partner gave her.

*gold earrings with a red gem in the centre.

*a gold bangle.

Mrs Wood said: “It’s probably quite valuable, but the sentimental value is enormous.

“And it’s dreadful to think someone has invaded my home.”

A police spokesman confirmed the burglary had been reported and asked anyone with any information to contact Taunton Police on 101 using crime reference 3896/15.