THIEVES ransacked a Hazlemere home as they attempted to steal a safe.

Three men smashed a panel on the rear door of the Cedar Avenue home at 12.13pm on Wednesday and proceeded to plunder the property.

Officers said the men caused damage to the house as they removed a safe and carried it to an awaiting black BMW saloon car being driven by a fourth man.

But the gang was unable to get the safe into the vehicle and drove off towards The Warren with the boot of the car still open.

The thieves did however manage to steal several gold rings, police said.

The first man is described as white, in his mid-twenties, about 6ft fall with short light brown hair.

He was clean shaven and was wearing a light-coloured baseball cap, smart casual clothing, a polo shirt and light-coloured trousers.

Officers said the second man is white, in his forties, 5ft 9ins tall of stocky build. He had dark-coloured hair and wore a material hat pulled over his face.

The third man is a white man, aged in his mid twenties, 6ft tall of stocky build.

The driver of the BMW is in his late forties and had short hair with a side parting which was swept across his forehead.

PC Paul Reading said: “We are appealing to anyone in the area who may have seen this incident or has any details about the offence.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle which drove away from the scene, down Cedar Avenue and onto The Warren at around 12.15pm.

“The car still had its boot open, making it quite distinctive.”

Contact police on the 101 enquiry line or, if you do not wish to speak to police, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.