BURGLARS who broke into a pub in Stebbing stole irreplaceable souvenirs that had been collected from all over the world. A laptop computer, handbag and a penknife with a three-inch blade were also among items stolen from The White Hart pub last Tuesday ni

BURGLARS who broke into a pub in Stebbing stole irreplaceable souvenirs that had been collected from all over the world.

A laptop computer, handbag and a penknife with a three-inch blade were also among items stolen from The White Hart pub last Tuesday night.

Grandmother Lynette Plumb, known to friends as Netta, has run the pub's kitchen for four years. But she and other staff were oblivious to the break-in, which is thought to have taken place between 9.30pm and 10.20pm.

Mrs Plumb said: "My bag was actually in the kitchen and my car, which had my laptop in it, was right outside the window by the kitchen we work in.

"I was horrified to discover someone must have come into the kitchen unnoticed to have taken my bag.

"Whoever had stolen the items must be pretty shameless and professional to have taken the items from under our noses. The car was in the loading bay right outside the window."

Remarkably, despite thieves gaining entry into Mrs Plumb's car and taking her laptop, they left the car where it was.

Mrs Plumb said: "There was no sign of forced entry so I presume it was done with access to my keys, which were in my stolen bag.

"I think they were tempted by my car but had no chance of taking it unnoticed. It's a very distinctive car with a personalised number plate too and I think taking it would have gotten them noticed straight away."

With a passion for travelling, Mrs Plumb had spent years collecting little irreplaceable trinkets and mementos from her travels many of which she had kept in her bag.

She said: "They're of no value to anyone else. I had a little No.1 Chelsea fan teddy-bear attached to the bag that was given to me as a gift."

Heartbroken Mrs Plumb added: "My bank books, the children's saver account books and the keys to my cupboard were in there too."

Mrs Plumb said: "I loved the knife it was a souvenir from the Australian Golf Museum, which is the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. I got it when I was visiting Tazmania. But it is disturbing to think of it in the wrong hands."

Nick Eldred, who has been landlord at The White Hart for more than 15 years said: "It's very unusual for anything like this to happen here especially in the pub.

"We've had no real problems before, other than the odd cigarette lighter being picked up by mistake. I'm very shocked and surprised."

Mrs Plumb's stolen laptop is an 'Acer Aspire' brand and was in a distinctive sandy-brown carry case. Her handbag was brown and of a rucksack-style with a string-legged style Chelsea fan teddy-bear attached to it.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 01371 872208.