TERRIFIED villagers have spoken of their shock after masked raiders stole thousands of pounds of jewellery from a home.

Two balaclava-wearing crooks targeted the house in Station Road in Cold Norton last Wednesday.

The thieves forced open the side door to the home and stole two Rolex watches, assorted jewellery and an engagement ring worth at least £10,000.

Extensive damage was also caused to the inside of the property.

The two suspects were both described as wearing balaclavas and one had blue trainers on.

Cold Norton residents fear crime is getting “closer and closer” to home.

Roger Lawson, of Latchingdon Road, said: “We hear more and more in the news lately about the crimes happening in both towns, but now that we and other villages like Mayland are suffering proves it’s a growing problem.

“The owners of some of these houses have CCTV and good home security yet they’re still hit. The crooks around here are getting more and more confident.

“My sympathies go out to all those who’ve suffered this crime, I hope all parties receive justice.”

Fellow Cold Norton resident Jane Jones added: “It’s quite chilling to have aggressive burglaries like this take place so close to you.

"You feel for the victims, yet also fear for your own safety.

“I hope that police will take a look at this and attempt to find ways to better prevent it and deal with the aftermath.”

The burglary comes just weeks after a series of break-ins in Mayland and raids of businesses in Maldon and Burnham.

Mayland resident Alen Powl had his farm shed broken into in August.

He said: “They smashed the doors. We assumed they were looking for farm equipment they could take.

“They stole tools, toolboxes, you name it.

“They cut through padlocks on our gate and got into the shed.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating a burglary which happened at a house in Station Road, Cold Norton on September 14.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.