VALUABLE jewellery was stolen from an elderly man’s home after crooks smashed their way in.

At about 11.30am on Friday (Nov 2), a group of four men knocked on the door of the house in Brook Road, Brentwood.

The homeowner was in at the time but did not hear the knocking.

This led to the burglars to smash their way in through the property’s front window before threatening the man with violence.

They then took a five-figure sum of jewellery before driving away in a new saloon car.

The incident left the homeowner shocked and upset, with police officers saying they want to speak with anyone who saw the crooks or the car speeding away.

Ds Charlie Cronin said: “Our house-to-house enquiries have so far failed to reveal any significant witnesses which is why we’re keen to hear from nearby residents or any motorists who were in the area on that Friday morning and noticed this chocolate-brown car.

“We don’t believe it is local so it would have caught the attention of passers-by. We’re keen to trace its movements both before and after this burglary.

“This attack was carried out in broad daylight and near to a busy main road so we’re confident that someone saw this car in the Brook Road, Spital Lane and London Road triangle.”

The assailants are all described as white and in their late 20s.

Anyone with information about the incident or who believes they saw the vehicle in question driving away from the scene is urged to call detectives at Basildon police station on 101 or Crimerstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.