Thieves broke into a home with a rock by going through the garage and smashing a pane of glass in the back door.
They ransacked the property in Cedar Road, Berkhamsted, and escaped with documents, jewellery and a musical wooden box.
It happened between 4pm on Sunday, May 5 and 9.45am on Monday, May 6.
PC Robert King, who is investigating the crime, said: “Having your house burgled is one of the most stressful incidents you can experience. We are determined to catch those responsible, I am appealing to anyone who may have any information at all no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Herts Police via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference D2/13/329.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.