Police are hunting thieves who took a stash of valuable jewellery in a raid on house.
The home, in Charter Drive, East Herrington, was broken into and burglars got away with jewellery worth a substantial amount of cash.
Neighbours were alerted to the break-in when they were woken by the burglar alarm and contacted police, at about
12.30am on Friday.
No one was thought to have been in the house at the time.
Police want to trace two youngsters, aged about 16 or 17, who were seen near the back of the property.
They were of slim build, had short mousey-brown hair and were wearing dark clothing.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone who saw a white Renault van in the street at aboutthat time.
Neighbourhood Inspector Cheryl Warcup, of Sunderland South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Burglaries like this are rare in the area. However, we understand that when they do happen it raises the fear of being a victim of crime for members of the community and I'd like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can do to find those responsible.
"If anyone has any concerns about being a victim of crime and would like extra crime prevention advice they contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team."
Anyone with any information should contact police on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
