HEARTBROKEN Ipswich widower Jack Keen today put up a reward for the return of his late wife's rings stolen by conmen.

HEARTBROKEN Ipswich widower Jack Keen today put up a reward for the return of his late wife's rings stolen by conmen.

Hoping against hope to be reunited with the jewellery Marjorie Keen was wearing when she died, the 89-year-old offered �100 in a bid to get them back.

Mr Keen, of Wallace Road, was duped by two men who conned their way into his home on the pretext of being officials from a water company.

The pair made off with money as well as gold wedding and signet rings, along with a gold engagement ring with two diamonds in it. All three belonged to Mrs Keen, who died five years ago aged 75 after 51 years of marriage. The signet ring also has the initials LM on it.

Mr Keen said: “The rings mean a lot to me because my wife was wearing them when she died. I was heartbroken when I found they had been stolen, absolutely heartbroken.

“I can replace the money in time, but I can never replace them. Marjorie meant everything to me - she meant the world. She was perfection.

“I believe that within a short time of them stealing the rings they were out of town. I don't really hold much hope.”

Mr Keen found it hard to express his feelings for the two thieves.

He said: “There are no words to describe them. They obviously knew what they were, because the envelope they were in had 'Marjorie's signet ring, engagement ring and wedding ring' on it. They knew what they were taking.”

The theft happened when one of the men distracted Mr Keen while the other looked around the house. They claimed they had to check his water supply.

The first thief is described as white with tanned skin, in his 50s, about 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build, with short dark hair, clean shaven and a round face.

His accomplice was white, aged 18-19, around 5ft 9in tall, of slim build and wearing a pale blue jeans and top.

Anyone with information about the theft - which occurred between 2pm and 2.30pm on Monday, July 6 - should telephone Detective Constable Stephanie Andrews-Pearce on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

If you are able to return the rings to Mr Keen telephone 01473 748780.