A married couple were on holiday when their home was ransacked and £40,000 of possessions, including the family car, taken.
They were in France when their daughter phoned to break the news of the burglary in Scalford Road, Melton, on June 29..
Both victims were at Leicester Crown Court to see drug-addict Samuel McGrady, jailed for two years for the break-in.
James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, said: "The couple's daughter found the rear door had been forced open and every room ransacked."
Heirlooms including three Rolex watches worth £17,000 were missing, along with three television sets, a £3,000 diamond and sapphire ring and computer equipment.
Mr Bide-Thomas said: "Data cards were also missing containing irreplaceable family photographs of sentimental value.
"Car keys and an Audi A3 worth £17,000 was also missing from the garage."
It was the only thing to be recovered because it had a tracking system.
The police located it at the rear of Beckmill Court, Melton Mowbray, not far from McGrady's home in Bentley Street, unlocked with the keys inside.
McGrady (26), who pleaded guilty to the break-in, left his fingerprints at the scene and in the vehicle.
Mr Bide-Thomas said: "The victims are angry and upset their home had been violated.
"Their holiday was ruined by what happened.
"They were concerned while they were away that someone would come back.
"On their return they were very upset by the state of the house and didn't feel safe in the house where they'd lived for 30 years.
"Many of the stolen items were inherited heirlooms.
"The contents of the property weren't insured and they're going to have to bear the loss themselves.
"They had to take time off work to organise repairs and sort out the mess that was created."
Sentencing, Judge Lynn Tayton QC said: "The property had been systematically ransacked and it occurred just over a month ago.
"Every room in the house had items strewn about, drawers were searched and many items of value were taken."
The court heard that McGrady had 75 offences on his record but none for house burglary, although he had committed other forms of burglary, as well as numerous thefts, motoring and taking a vehicle without consent.
Philip Gibbs, mitigating, said: "The reason why this happened is drugs.
"He's been affected by drugs since he was 13 and hasn't been strong enough to withstand the pressure drug addiction causes.
"He's been on an opiate substitute medication since his remand into custody.
"He's unable to compensate the victims for what he's done."
