Thieves broke open a house of one Akila in Kanchi Managar near Peelamedu here on Tuesday and decamped with 18 sovereigns of gold ornaments worth Rs 1.8 lakh.

Akila, 35, of Kanchi Managar locked her house and went to Podanur with family on Tuesday. On return, she found the house broken open and jewellery stolen.

According to police, the burglars broke the lock to enter the house and also broke open the steel bureau and took away the ornaments.

The dog squad and finger print experts were pressed into service. A case has been filed and investigation is on, they added.