An elderly woman was threatened after two men forced their way into her home in Wivenhoe yesterday.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident, which took place at a house in Broome Grove between 9pm and 9.10pm.
The suspects broke in through the back door and a third man remained outside for some of the time during the incident.
The 84-year-old occupant was threatened and one of the men then searched the upstairs rooms. They left with gold jewellery and cash.
The men were described as being aged in their 30s to 40s and wore t-shirts and jeans.
Essex Police says enquiries are ongoing and they would like to speak to anyone who saw three men acting suspiciously in the area shortly before and after the incident.
Officers would also like to speak to anyone who is offered gold jewellery for sale and is suspicious about where it came from.
Contact Dc Hannah Richardson at Colchester CID on 101 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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