TRENTON — When a burglar broke into an 82-year-old woman's home, he got away with more than $20,000 in jewelry and cash — and priceless family heirlooms.

        “A lot of keepsake memories have left her life,” said David Agoston, the detective handling the case.

        City police Wednesday said they were continuing to investigate the crime, which occurred Monday night in a subdivision off Edgewood Drive. Police asked that the woman's name and address be withheld for her safety.

        They said she was heartbroken by the loss of treasured items, some of which had been handed down through generations of her family.

        Among the stolen items: a wristwatch she bought for her now-deceased husband, a gold pocket watch bought in 1897, cameos, old coins and Rogers Brothers silverware stamped 1847. The woman also had begun collecting commemorative state quarters in hopes of presenting them to her grandchildren, police said.

        “Worse than the loss of the items is the sense of invasion of privacy,” said Detective Agoston, adding that the woman had a sleepless night after reporting the break-in.

        Police said they think she may have arrived home while the burglary was in progress. The woman couldn't open her usual entry door upon her return home.

        She was able to enter through another door, and found parts of the residence had been ransacked. Police also found signs of forced entry.

        Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Agoston at 988-6341.

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