81-year-old widow reunited with jewellery from her late husband (From Sutton Guardian)

81-year-old widow reunited with jewellery from her late husband after Sutton Guardian appeal

12:00pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News By James Pepper

An 81-year-old widow has been reunited with jewellery of huge sentimental value after an appeal from the Sutton Guardian.

Irene Clinch, from North Cheam,  made a heartfelt appeal last week for the return of a silver locket which contains pictures of her late husband Brian.

Although some of the items have been recovered, burglars on Gander Green Lane still have items which are "irreplaceable and of huge sentimental value".

Items include a three-diamond stone engagement ring, a sapphire and diamond dress ring, a gold locket with photos of her and her husband, a pearl pendant, and a ruby and diamond pendant - both anniversary presents form her late husband.

Following the burglary on August 29, the jewellery was found by a member of the neighbourhood watch scheme, who informed the Worcester Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Mrs Clinch, a keen dancer who has been dancing since she was ten and attends the weekly classes at the local Highfield Hall, said one of her dance friends recognised her from the photos in the press appeal.

Police were informed and Irene was quickly reunited with the recovered items, which included the silver locket and a number of pewter Celtic crosses and chains in the name of St Justin, Cornwall, which had been purchased by the couple during many holidays together in the West Country where Brian had a cousin.

"When I was burgled, I was upset and distressed and didn't’t expect to see any of my jewellery again - so it’s lovely to have some items returned. The police have been really kind, considerate and caring in the way they have looked after me, looked for evidence and provided me with security and safety advice."

But Irene had the following message to the burglars: "The jewellery that remains stolen is irreplaceable and has huge sentimental value for me personally - containing many precious memories of times with Brian. If you have it in your heart please let me have them back."

The photos of the couple in both the silver and gold lockets show the couple both at the age of 56, dressed up and ready to go out for a dance evening.