RARE pottery worth thousands of pounds has been stolen from a Felixstowe house by thieves targeting owners of specialist collections.Police say the raiders knew exactly what they were looking for – and got away with a number of precious items which had been collected by the owners over the years as part of their hobby.

RARE pottery worth thousands of pounds has been stolen from a Felixstowe house by thieves targeting owners of specialist collections.

Police say the raiders knew exactly what they were looking for – and got away with a number of precious items which had been collected by the owners over the years as part of their hobby.

More than 20 colourfully decorated delicate pieces worth several thousand pounds were taken, from wood and glass display cabinets at the property.

The exact address of the house is not being revealed, but detectives said it was close to the seafront.

Officers are appealing for people in the area who may be offered Masons Mandalay (MM) plates and jugs to get in touch with them immediately.

The items stolen included five 10-inch MM pattern yearly edition plates, an MM pattern Millennium edition plate, two MM ginger jars, two MM pattern medium jugs, two MM pattern large jugs and a premium size hydra jug.

There was also a large shake handle jug, several bowls and dishes with the MM pattern and two 12 inch modern Indian vases with the MM design.

The burglary happened late on Saturday July 27 or early Sunday July 28 and it is not certain whether the criminals were from out of the area or local.

"Officers believe the offenders knew what they were looking for and officers are appealing for dealers and members of the public to call them if they are offered any similar items, or if they have any information about the burglary," said a police spokeswoman.

Anyone who is able to help should contact Dc Stefan Jochan at Felixstowe CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.