A Broughty Ferry family say they are “grieving” after thieves ransacked their home, taking treasured jewellery and a large sum of money.
Police have issued an appeal after the raiders made off with jewellery, watches, necklaces and more than £10,000 from the Seaforth Road property.
A local councillor branded the crime “despicable” and said the culprits had “violated the strong sense of community we have in Broughty Ferry”.
Officers believe the break-in happened some time between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday.
In an emotional appeal, the family urged any eyewitnesses to come forward as soon as possible and warned others to be on their guard.
One resident at the property, who asked not to be named, said the group appeared to have climbed over the garden wall from neighbouring Arbroath Road before smashing their way in through a patio window.
She said: “They’ve been into every room and there’s nothing left untouched.
“The doors upstairs were locked but it looks like they just kicked their way in.
“We spent six hours clearing one room and that was just so we could lie on the bed to get some sleep.”
She added: “It’s a horrible feeling – I must have washed my hands about 20 times today, just touching stuff around the place and knowing they’ve been here.”
The woman said police spent around three hours at the scene collecting forensic evidence and urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.
Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said he was “very concerned” by the break-in and described it as a “despicable crime”.
He said: “This will be very distressing for the family – and not just for the obvious monetary loss.
“This was a clear violation of their personal space and of the strong sense of community we have in Broughty Ferry.
“I hope this was an isolated incident but I would encourage residents to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for each other.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said there had been a number of break-ins in the area in recent weeks but the incidents are not thought to be related.
He said: “They are not currently being linked, although this can never fully be ruled out.”
Police have asked anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or speaking with an officer.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
