A £10,000 reward has been offered after safe raiders stole the arrest and conviction of those who stole jewellery and cash valued at £150,000.

They broke into the home of Andrew Thorpe in Whalley Road, Accrington, and stole a safe containing jewellery. The haul included a £26,000 women’s gold Rolex watch with a diamond bezel. Police appealed for information today about the theft that took place at 1.05am on November 18.

Mr Thorpe, who has lived in the house for 12 years, said the thieves broke in through a basement window. He said: “My wife and I were absolutely devastated. Police said the CCTV showed they entered the house about 10 minutes after we left, so they must have known we were going to go out.

“They went through my wife’s dressing tables as well as taking the safe out through the front door. They must have found some spare keys in the house.

“We are insured but we might not get the sentimental pieces back. My wife had a sister who passed away when she was a baby and a bangle of hers that is 40 years old was taken.

“Given where they went in the house, it was almost as if they had an understanding of where things were. Our insurance can offer up to £10,000 reward for anyone who can provide evidence leading to an arrest and conviction.

“I know the CCTV images are quite poor, but the car that was used to put the safe in must have been seen by someone.” Mr Thorpe said he has spent more than £10,000 on home security equipment since the incident.

DC Tom Halliwell said: “We believe this was a targeted offence, with the offenders waiting for the victim to leave the address.”

A 24-year-old man from Rishton and a 16-year-old girl from Accrington were arrested on suspicion of burglary and released under investigation. Anyone with information can contact 101 or email 3417@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0091 of November 18.