Benfleet burglary jewellery and £2,000 in cash stolen in

Steven Clayton, 46, has revealed how he had just returned home from the school run when the crook rushed out of the home, in Felstead Road, Benfleet, and fled the scene. 

Once inside Steven discovered that rings, including his former partner’s grandmother’s wedding ring, and other jewellery had been stolen as well as the cash. 
 The worrying incident took place on October 10 at roughly 3pm, but one week on no arrests have been made and the jewellery has not been recovered. 

Engagement rings were also taken during the burglary (Image: Steven Clayton)

Steven is now urging residents to keep an eye out on social media and in second hand jewellery stores in a bid to make the jewellery too hot to handle. 

Alongside the grandmother’s wedding ring, another wedding ring, an engagement ring, and earrings were all stolen. 

Steven explained that his son had just entered the property’s garden when the intruder fled past him.

“My youngest, who is only six, had rushed ahead of me and was in the back garden playing basketball when he ran out of the house,” said Steven.

“The thought that he was just feet away from the burglar really goes through me.
“I’ve had steam coming out of my ears ever since.”

The Benfleet resident described seeing pulled out drawers and realising his home had been ransacked.

“My wife had nearly £2,000 in the bedroom drawer, her engagement ring, wedding ring, and the ring of her nan who has passed away,” he said.

“She’s only been back to work today and has been so emotionally distressed.”

The family have now upgraded their home security system – resetting alarms and installing touch points at every point of entry.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating a burglary at an address in Felstead Road, Benfleet which was reported at around 3pm on October 10.

“It was reported jewellery and cash worth a four-figure sum were taken.