A Colchester man heard burglars raiding his home on Christmas Eve as he lay in bed with flu.
The intruders broke into the house on Bromley Road, Greenstead, shortly before 10pm, causing £100 damage.
They searched downstairs and took jewellery before escaping.
Det Sgt Roy Clark, of Colchester police, said the homeowner, who was lying upstairs, phoned a friend who came round and discovered the burglary.
"One of the people who lives there was in bed with the flu and he heard noises downstairs. The burglars did not go upstairs."
If anyone has any information about the break-in contact police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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