A burglar stole £10,000 worth of jewellery and coins including some handed out by The Queen after smashing their way into an absent couple's home.
The horrified couple, both in their 60s, returned from a weekend away to find their house in the Childwall Fiveways area had been ransacked.
The burglar smashed his way into the home smashing glass in the back kitchen door, climbing through and then forcing entry through two locked internal doors.
Police said the crook made off with gold coins including 10 sovereigns, 5 half sovereigns, a quarter sovereign.
The thief also stole four Maundy coins - gifts bestowed by the reigning monarch on the day before Good Friday in recognition of service to churches and communities.
The coins were removed from the box, which greatly depreciates their value.
The £10,000 haul during the break-in between 9am on Saturday, December 5 and on 5pm Monday, December 7 also included pieces of jewellery.
Merseyside Police said these included three gold and opal necklaces (one in the shape of a cross), a pair of long teardrop opal earrings, a white opal ring with a diamond set on either side in gold, earrings and matching pendant in white gold with a topaz stone, an aquamarine ring set in red gold with yellow gold on the reverse and a pair of silver earrings with edelweiss enamel and gold in the centre with a matching pendant.
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A police spokesman said: "The items taken are worth in excess of £10,000 and have great sentimental value."
An investigation is underway to identify those responsible and return the stolen items to their owners.
Detective Inspector Steve Ball said, “To be the victim of burglary, particularly at this time of year when we have all faced such a challenging time, is incredibly upsetting and an investigation is underway to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the Childwall Fiveways area over the weekend to contact us if they saw anything or anyone suspicious. Similarly it is vital that we find anyone who was driving or walking in the area who may have captured something, either on their mobile phone, or dash cam to get in touch."
He added: “Through Operation Castle Merseyside Police is committed to finding the people responsible for committing crimes such as this and would urge anyone with information to come forward.
“I would like to remind the public to take extra precautions during the upcoming festive period to ensure your homes are safe and secure. Remember to check front doors, windows and garage doors and ensure your car keys are safely out of sight. It is especially important at this time of year, when Christmas presents may also be visible and the hours of darkness are longer.”
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 20000744034 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
