An appeal has been issued to help police recover items of sentimental value stolen by Harpenden distraction burglars while they were mending tiles on a victim’s roof.

On May 1, between 11.30am and 12pm, two white men, one aged about 40 and the other 30, knocked on the victim’s door and asked about working on the roof.

The 40-year-old was stocky with short curly hair, wearing a deep red jumper, blue jeans, and a black quilted gillet, while his friend was of medium build, with short brown hair, and wearing a navy blue or black raincoat.

Unknown to the victim, while working the burglars went inside the house and stole distinctive items - two tubes with degree certificates inside; a pewter tankard; an antique, pewter trinket box; a Greek solid silver cigarette box with wood lining; an Israeli antique, silver cigarette box; a plain silver cigar holder with cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s cigar; a small silver compass which shows the time in New York; and a 12cm antique Russian tea urn.

Det Con Tony Bradshaw, said: “The stolen items are highly distinctive, of huge sentimental value and are irreplaceable.

“I am appealing for anyone who thinks they may know the whereabouts of the items, or has seen them advertised for sale, to please contact police straightaway.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has any other information about the burglary or who may be responsible for it.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.