Police are investigating the theft of a large bronze elephant worth £1,400.
A man was seen loading the garden ornament into the back of a white Ford Fiesta at about 11.30am on Monday in Lower Holt Street, Earls Colne.
The elephant is about 1m tall and 0.5m wide.
Investigating officer PC Craig Peterson said: "This is quite a distinctive item and has enormous sentimental value to the elderly victim."
Contact PC Craig Peterson at Braintree Police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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