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More on KentOnline
A pensioner left "numb" by the theft of a 19th century family clock is offering a £1,000 reward for its return.
The 66-year-old St Margaret's Bay resident, who KentOnline is not naming, had returned from a stay in hospital when she discovered the large carved oak clock was missing.
It is a 23inch high Westminster Whittington antique, which belonged to her great-grandmother and had been passed down to her.
Her Beach Road home was broken into sometime between Monday, November 25, and Monday, December 2.
Due to her hospital stay and poor health at the time, it was during a period when she didn't have her dogs in the house, who she says usually alert her to everything.
She has been left feeling "unbelievably vulnerable" despite security improvements including alarms, lighting and CCTV.
Now, she is urging anyone with information leading to its return, in a good condition, to come forward.
She said: "I felt absolutely numb when I realised it had gone. It took about three days for it to sink in and since then I've been extremely depressed.
"I just can't believe it's gone.
"It belonged to my great grandmother and went through to my mother.
"It's the only thing I kept of my mother's. It's of huge sentimental importance.
"I looked at it every day. It was in the house I was born in."
"It's the only thing I kept of my mother's. It's of huge sentimental importance."
The maker is J. Stockhall & Son Ltd, London circa 1890. The clock's value is not confirmed.
The clock owner added: "It's almost as if someone knew.
"There were other things they could have taken but they didn't.
"They left the French doors open and took the keys which I've had changed.
"But they didn't take the key to wind it up which I store separately.
"It's a very heavy clock so I think it might have taken two people."
Detectives investigating want to hear from witnesses or anyone with information.
Det Con Darren Brough said: "This clock is of great sentimental value to the victim and we would urge anyone who knows where it might be or has been offered it for sale to contact us straight away."
Those with information should call 01843 222289 quoting the reference number 46/230378/19.
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org
