A LOCKS HEATH woman has sent out a heartfelt plea to thieves who snatched her treasured diamond engagement ring to return it to police.

The £4,400 platinum two-carat solitaire was stolen from her van as she left the vehicle for five minutes to help in her mother's garden in Cornflower Close, Locks Heath, yesterday morning.

A gold Omega watch valued at £2,000 and £500 in cash were also taken in the £7,000 raid.

However, it is the loss of the engagement ring which has hit her hardest.

The 46-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: "I want it back, there is no other way of saying it.

"It's something that I treasure and is probably irreplaceable.

"It's such a sad situation. I don't know how they can stoop so low.

"It's worth so much more to me for its sentimental value."

The woman has been married for 21 years but her engagement ring was bought locally some years later.

She noticed that the black soft fabric Gap handbag was missing from the front seat of her Peugeot Expert van as she got in to transport garden debris to the tip just before 11.30am.

The bag also contained keys, a purse, lipsticks and other personal belongings.

Two bike-riding youths wearing baseball caps and sports gear were seen nearby.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 0454 545 and ask for Fareham police station or the anonymous crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.