A WOMAN who had thousands of pounds worth of jewellery stolen during a raid on her home says she no longer feels safe living in Halstead.

A thief is thought to have used a crowbar to smash their way into the house in Colchester Road during the daytime on Monday.

Once inside, the raider turned the house upside down and made off with jewellery worth up to £8,500, a vanity case, handheld vacuum cleaner and turbo brush.

A Christmas cake and medication have also been reported missing.

The victim, who was at work during the burglary, returned to her home in the evening to discover items she had advertised online had been stolen.

She said: “They have absolutely trashed my house, there’s bits of blood on the wall, every cupboard has been opened and searched.

“They clearly knew what they were looking for but they even went through the freezer. Why would there be anything hidden in there?

“I am flabbergasted. They have absolutely ransacked my house and it is soul destroying.

“I certainly don’t feel safe at the moment.”

Monday’s incident comes amid growing concerns about an increase in crime in Halstead.

The town’s MP, James Cleverly, has urged residents to discuss their concerns with him.

The victim of Monday’s burglary says she believes there are a number of reasons why crime may be increasing.

She added: “My biggest shock is the lack of police interest. It doesn’t seem right that a person can feel so alone after something like this. I have heard about the problems (in Halstead).

“It’s a culmination of things I guess. There’s the lack of police presence but also the lack of punishment these days.

You get a slap on the wrist for crimes like this these days. That doesn’t put anyone off.”

Essex Police has launched an investigation into the burglary and confirmed that an officer visited the victim the following day.

A spokesman said: “A search of the property in Colchester Road, Halstead was carried out by an unknown suspect, and jewellery worth a four figure sum was taken.

“We are keeping the victim up to date with our enquiries.”

The spokesman said the victim was visited on Tuesday by the investigating officer. and they are being visited today (Tuesday, December 5) by the investigating officer.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Daniel Bird on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.