A cleaner stole £20k of ceremonial jewellery from a wealthy family.

Magdalena Dydycz, 30, was a trusted friend of a rich family living on Kingston Hill when she stole the Indian gold jewellery.

Most of the gold bangles, brooches, necklaces and earrings, were sold to pawn shops in Fulham and have never been recovered.

Polish Dydycz, who lived in Smithwood Close, Wimbledon, was allowed to walk free after being given a suspended prison sentence of nine months at Kingston Crown Court on May 11.

But detectives believe she may be working or seeking work in the Wimbledon, Richmond and Kingston areas.

Her employer of about four years noticed missing items from her jewellery room and called police before noticing everything was gone.

Dydycz pleaded guilty to theft saying she needed money for her ill father. But she has never apologised to the family or helped them find the missing jewellery.

D Con Moody said: “The victim is very shocked. It has had a massive, devastating impact on her. It is a very sorry affair in the end.”

Anyone who has concerns about Dydycz can call Kingston CID on 020 8721 5849.