THIEVES stole a valuable silver coffee pot and 23 piece silver tea set from a house in Marlow Common.

They also snatched a sugar basin, milk jug and 20 silver spoons during a burglary, while the family was on holiday.

The thieves got in by drilling through a window opening and climbing into the house, before making off with £4,000 worth of property including a barometer.

Investigating officer PC Clare Noad said: "Some of the items that were stolen are quite distinctive so we are hoping it would be possible to identify them successfully if found in someone's possession; but we are also asking members of the public to look at these pictures and keep an eye out for the items at shops and sales around the country.

"The owner of these items had sensibly taken the precaution of photographing the items, which means we are now able to circulate them around specialist websites and publications to alert anyone who may be approached by someone trying to sell any of these items.

"I am also hoping that people working in the antiques or silver trade will help us if they come across any of these items or are offered them for sale."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Noad at High Wycombe police station on 08458 505 505, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.