MORE than £100,000 of jewellery has been stolen by thieves who cut a hole in the roof to climb into a North Yorkshire antiques shop.

North Yorkshire Police says hundreds of objects were taken, including a number of highly-distinctive bespoke pieces, during the break-in at at 27 West Park, opposite the Stray, in Harrogate on Tuesday February 13.

A spokesman said officers believed the thieves cut a hole in the roof of the building and climbed through it at about 9.50pm.

"They broke into a number of cabinets, probably using a jemmy, and emptied them," he said.

"Due to the quantity of items taken from a number of different antique and jewellery dealers, police are still in the process of itemising the thefts as part of their ongoing investigation.

"However, stolen items include rings; bracelets; earrings; silver, gold and bespoke necklaces; antique pocket watches and high-value designer watches.Initial estimates put the value of the stolen stock at more than £100,000."

He said police had released images of some of the more distinctive pieces in the hope they would be recognised by members of the public, including an 18-carat gold ring featuring ruby, diamonds and sapphire, a silver Maurice Lacroix wrist watch and a distinctive tiered silver necklace with gemstone setting and a number of silver.

He added that officers had released CCTV images of a person they wanted to trace and police had carried out forensic tests at the scene and extensive inquiries around the area.

Anyone with information should phone 101.