A WARRNAMBOOL woman was shocked to discover her Canterbury Road home was broken into on Saturday night.
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Ellie Read was at a hen's night when her neighbour alerted her a man wearing black was seen loitering near her home.
Her first thought was one of concern for her nine-year-old French bulldog Gigi and asked her neighbour to check on her.
"He had a look in my window and said the dog is fine," a relieved Ms Read said.
However, when she asked her mother and brother to check inside the property, they were shocked by what they found.
A handbag containing cash and jewellery had been stolen and her bedroom cupboard had been ransacked.
Ms Read said among the items were pieces with sentimental value, including a silver bracelet that belonged to her nan and a signet ring that belonged to her father Eric.
"A lot of the items aren't worth a lot but they mean a lot to me," she said.
The thief also stole a sapphire ring she received as a 21st birthday present and a Tiffany bracelet she received as a 30th birthday present.
A unique Kipling handbag and a designer watch were also taken, along with two pairs of earrings Ms Read purchased in Brazil.
Ms Read said she had been left shaken after the incident.
"I only slept about two hours that night - it makes you feel really uncomfortable," she said.
Ms Read said she was offering a reward for information that led to the return of her items. She said a neighbour was going to review CCTV footage of the night.
Ms Read said she was extremely grateful to everyone who had shared her Facebook post asking for information.
Detective Senior Constable Derek Verity, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said the woman left her home Saturday evening about 9pm.
It's suspected that an intruder has soon after entered the home and rummaged through the house.
"Jewellery, handbags and cash with a total value of about $6000 has been taken," he said.
Detective Senior Constable Verity said the victim had been left shaken by the burglary. "She's a nice lady and has been traumatised by the experience."
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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