A COLLECTOR has been forced to give up his hobby after £17,000 worth of antiques were stolen from his house.

The man from Little Chalfont, who did not want to be named, had a clock, tea caddy, two barometers and a knife box taken from his house between 9am and 3pm last Thursday.

He said he was disappointed that more of his favourite antiques had gone, as other items were stolen when his house was broken into 18 years ago.

He said: "The knife boxes were my parents and because the others got stolen [in the last burglary] we bought another one.

"They could have seen the clock through the window but everything else would have been blurry silhouettes."

He added: "We lost two tea caddies in 1983, and now we have lost one other tea caddy as well this time. I would buy to replace it, but if you put money in stocks and shares it can't get stolen from you. It was my little hobby but it has come to an end now."

The thieves forced a solid oak door to get into the house before making off with the antiques.

The police believe the perpetrators were disturbed during the burglary.

Police are appealing for witnesses. If you have any details contact PC Russell Golding on 01494 465888.