A CARER has been left distraught after burglars broke into her home and took her passports.
Sheila Sheerin, 50, arrived home to her St Paul's home early in the morning to find it in a mess.
Burglars had climbed a wall and through her bedroom window, stealing more than £3,000 worth of items.
Among the things stolen were watches, including a Gucci watch, an Emporio Armani watch, various items of jewellery and two bronze figurines.
The burglars also took her Kenyan and British passports, and a folder containing more than 20 certificates, including those from the University of Gloucestershire.
The figurines were given to her by her late father, and have sentimental value because he got them for her from Zambia years ago.
Ms Sheerin, who works in a care home, said: "When I came into the house after work, it was just in a mess. I really didn't know what happened, until I went to my bedroom.
"That was even worse. I was just shocked. How could anyone do this to me?
"My things were all taken. I don't think I live in a dangerous area, and this has never happened before.
"Someone had gone through all my belongings, and some of the things they have taken are very close to my heart."
She added that she had no idea what the burglars would do with her passports and certificates.
She said: "I am really not sure what they want to do with it. It is not like you can sell it.
"When I told people they took my passports and certificates, nobody knew why they would want it.
"It's so easily recognisable. It has just baffled me. I don't even know if it could be identity theft.
"They did not take any cash, I had none in the house, but they took about three wallets as well. You can't really mistake the certificates for anything else.
"My papers for the house were also missing. It is very strange."
Among the items stolen were two bronze statues bought by her late father.
"They are quite distinct, so I hope anybody who sees it can return it to the police.
"It has such sentimental value," she added.
"They are not very expensive, but they are heavy, and I am very close to them because dad bought them for me when I was younger."
A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said the burglars had entered between 7pm Thursday and 8.10am on Friday.
Anyone with information about the burglary should call police at 101, quoting incident number 103 of August 30.
Information can also be given without giving your name by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.