The victim of an Albury home break-in has been devastated by the ordeal after thieves took some of the only photographs she has of her late mother.
Christine Dargan disturbed a woman burgling her Roper Street home about 10.30am on Saturday.
Ms Dargan arrived outside her home near Pemberton Street and the woman ran out of the house after appearing to be tipped off by a man in a dark BMW.
The pair left towards West Albury with a large number of family heirlooms including vases, crystal, jewellery, photographs and more.
One of her rescue cats was also injured and the property was trashed.
Ms Dargan broke down in tears several times as she spoke of losing the two of the three images she had of her mother.
"They've just smashed and ripped up photos and everything," she said.
"I'm just devastated because those things can't be replaced."
The photographs appeared to have been targeted by the burglar for their frames despite being of little monetary value.
Police were alerted to the incident and spent about an hour-and-a-half at the scene, speaking to nearby residents.
The dark BMW sedan had been spotted in the street in the days before the break-in.
"If the man out the front hadn't have called the woman, I would have gone straight into the house and disturbed her," Ms Dargan said.
"They tried to get in in multiple places.
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"Every box, every cupboard door, every room including the bathrooms were targeted.
"I think these people should realise the fear they strike into those they targeted and the emotional cost of taking a lifetime of mementos, things I wanted to hand on to my children.
"Everything has gone."
Her daughter, Jaclyn Smoker, said having the items taken was like losing another part of her grandparents.
She visited their graves after the burglary.
"It's just awful," she said.
The woman had long blonde hair in a ponytail and was wearing a green mask at the time.
She had an athletic build and appeared to be aged in her mid to late 20s.
The man in the vehicle had chubby cheeks and may have been wearing a wig.
Forensic investigators will examine the crime scene on Monday.
Anyone with information can call 1800 333 000.
