Burglars broke into the home of top soccer referee Dermot Gallagher while he was out training.
They took his wife's jewellery and some of his watches - including an expensive Rolex and an Adidas timekeeping watch used for big games.
Mr Gallagher said: "They've cleaned us out and have probably fenced the stuff already.
"Some of my wife's jewellery was worth a lot of money, but a lot has sentimental value that can't be replaced."
Mr Gallagher, who lives in the Banbury area, is a Premiership referee and commercial manager for Witney Town Football Club.
Burglars struck on Monday evening, forcing their way into the house while his wife was out and he was training at a local gym.
The crime has been reported to Banbury police, who are investigating.
Story date: Saturday 13 March
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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