From a police press release:

Detectives in Telford [Shropshire, UK] are investigating after a haul of items was stolen from a home, including a distinctive banjo.

Thieves forced their way into the property in Regent Street in Wellington yesterday(September 14) between 8.30am and 4.30pm while the owners were out.

Offenders ransacked the house and stole a number of items. It is believed they made off along Mill Lane.

Police are investigating the matter and have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "The burglary happened in broad daylight and we would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward and speak to us.

"On of the items stolen was a cream coloured Windsor banjo, which is quite distinctive. It has the words "Le Clerc" stamped on the back and the fifth string, which is usually shorter than the other strings and is attached to a peg, is fed into a brass tube and travels to the top of the instrument. This makes this particular instrument quite unusual and easily recognisable.

"We believe thieves may try and sell the banjo, and we would appeal to anyone who is offered such an item for sale to come forward."

The spokeswoman added: "We have carried out a number of enquiries and believe that there was one or more people involved. We also believe that the offenders would have been very slim or very young, due to the way they entered the property.

"If you saw anyone similar to this description acting suspiciously in the area, or carrying a number of items, we would like to hear from you."

Other items stolen include an Aries computer, a Toshiba DVD player and a black leather wallet.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the dedicated Burglary Unit at Telford Police on (08457) 444888 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on (0800) 555111.