A WOMAN in her 90s woke to find clothes strewn around the floor after her Poole home was burgled as she slept.

The burglary took place in Edgarton Road, Canford Heath between 8.30am and 10.20am on Thursday August 7 and is the second in the street in four weeks.

While some of the occupants were out, burglars forced their entry through the front door and searched an empty bedroom while the elderly woman slept nearby.

They stole a large amount of valuable jewellery, a quantity of cash and a handbag containing bank cards.

Police believe the offenders carried the stolen items away in a distinctive pink and white pillow case, decorated with three large roses, which was also found to be missing.

They left the way they entered and the woman, who lives at the address with relatives, was not injured.

PC James Howe of Poole police said: This is an extremely distressing crime for the victims.

“The stolen jewellery has a great sentimental value.

“I would urge anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, in particular, anybody carrying a pink and white pillow case full of goods, to come forward as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered jewellery for sale in strange circumstances or for an unusually low price.

“Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to contact the police in confidence.

“This is the second burglary on this street within the last four weeks. Although we do not believe these crimes to be linked I would like to remind all residents to be vigilant and to report any concerns by calling 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 07:127 or free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.