A FAMILY'S sentimental belongings, jewellery and British passports were stolen after five men broke into their home.

Unmasked men forced their way into the terraced property in broad daylight and stole more than £10,000 worth of personal items.

In a raid that lasted seven minutes, the group ransacked several rooms, leaving clothes, children's toys and other possessions lying on the floor.

It is understood the men fled from the scene in a vehicle when a neighbour came to check on the property.

A police investigation is under way, and anyone with information is encouraged to get in contact.

The family, who live in Ainsworth, have called on residents to remain vigilant.

Mother-of-three Alecia Choo said: "It was shocking. They literally threw everything out of the cupboards and drawers.

"They took everything — all of our sentimental items, including my engagement ring, my wedding ring, even my baby's cot.

"The only thing left was our children's room."

Alecia, her husband and their three young children were not at home when the burglars struck at about 4.45pm.

It is understood the men smashed through a ground-floor window to gain access.

Video footage shows one of the men using a piece of metal to smash the alarm off the wall.

They turned out drawers, emptied wardrobes and rummaged through cupboards.

Alecia, who is originally from Malaysia, said: "They only spent seven minutes in the building. They took our British passports and all my jewellery. They took my wedding gifts from my parents and siblings.

"I would rather they had taken cash. I cannot buy my sentimental items back. It is the memories."

Alecia is part of a local neighbourhood WhatsApp group called 'Burglar Watch', set up for residents to help each other.

The 32-year-old urged members of the community to stay vigilant and to continue sending each other SOS messages.

"We want to urge the entire community to use their power to avoid these things happening", she said. "We need to group together to catch these people."

Police officers attended the scene after the incident on October 9, and remained at the property until late. A forensics team also took evidence.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called on Tuesday, October 9 to Church Street to reports of a burglary at around 4.35pm that day.

"Our enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1485 of October 9. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.