A WIDOW has begged burglars to return a lifetime of jewellery she received from her late husband. Mildred Phillips, 64, is heartbroken after returning from holiday to find a kitchen window broken and most of her jewellery missing. The gems, valued at thousands of pounds, were given to her over 20 years of birthdays and anniversaries. They were taken from her house in Princess Drive, Highwoods , Colchester. Mrs Phillips said: “I was in Cornwall and when I came back my neighbour was waiting for me to tell me what had happened. I was shocked. “When I got inside, I thought everything would be missing, but it looked like everything was still there until I went upstairs and saw they had taken the jewellery and all the boxes were on the bed. “I feel terrible and don’t feel safe on my own any more. “I sleep with a hammer by the bed now.” Among the items taken was a charm bracelet bought by her late husband Richard, who died just over three years ago, and several other charms which were added to it by her family. The burglars took a gold locket with a picture of the couple in it, several bracelets one of which had an M on it, necklaces, and earrings. The thieves also took a collection of coins and notes, which Richard had started and Mildred had continued after his death, and a ruby bracelet she received from him for their 40th anniversary. Mrs Phillips said: “It is frightening being here now. They took 20 years’ worth of jewellery. “It is the sentimental value which really matters. My husband bought me most of it and my children and grandchildren bought some of the charms. “Please return it because it means so much to me.” Police have appealed for information about the burglary, between 8.10pm on Thursday, July 12, and 10.30am on Friday. Anyone with information can call Colchester police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.