Devastated residents have spoken of their anger after scores of sentimental jewellery items were stolen in a series of burglaries.

Residents in the Ashtead area are reeling after the thefts, which saw high-value jewellery and watches taken.

Nurse Cristina Leaban lost precious pearl earrings, a diamond pendant necklace and earrings, a diamond ring and bank cards, which were taken last Monday evening.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Woodfield Lane, was left heartbroken by the theft of a gold bracelet given to her by her mother when she graduated from nursing college.

Mrs Leaban, who made the discovery after finishing a shift at Ashtead Hospital at 9pm that night, said: "I had come home after a long day and didn't notice straight away that I had been burgled.

"I then found a piece of a watch on the living room floor and when I put it in my jewellery box I found all these empty boxes. I was left really shaking and in a terrible state.

"It still really hasn't sunk in and it's just awful really. Even at night I cannot sleep because the trauma of this is still in my mind and it just feels like a nightmare.

"They have also taken £500 from my bank account after they took my bank cards.

"I am very angry about all of this. The anger is in my heart because I worked so hard to save the money and it's now gone."

Parents Emma and Paul Dunham, of Chaffers Mead, are believed to have been targeted by the same gang at about 5pm last Monday.

The suspects broke into the rear of property and stole two watches worth a combined £1,200.

A host of other items of jewellery were also taken from the family home, which included Mrs Dunham's engagement ring and a bracelet her father got her for her wedding day.

The mother-of-three said: "It has just been gutting, we still feel vulnerable and I don't feel safe in my own home.

"I haven't really been talking about it to anyone because the more I talk about it the more upset I get.

"The worst thing is that we are not rich people. We are mortgaged up to our eyeballs and they just came in here and taken stuff that is irreplaceable."

There was another break-in last Monday evening at a home in Newton Wood Road, where offenders forced open a sliding door at the rear of the home but, after searching the property, left empty handed.

John Tadman, Mole Valley neighbourhood inspector, said: "I am extremely worried about the spate of robberies in the area.

"I would urge anyone who might have had a suspicious caller on Monday asking for directions to the train station or something similar to get in touch with us.

"I would encourage residents to try to avoid leaving their house in darkness and if possible use timers for lights and radios so it appears someone is home.

"I would also encourage residents to hide jewellery away securely."

Anyone with information about these thefts is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.