The victim was left with facial injuries following the aggravated burglary, which is reported to have happened in Middlesbrough on Thursday 29 December.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said the five men smashed windows at the property in Nesham Road at about 16.13 GMT
They are then reported to have forced their way inside, assaulting a female occupant and causing further damage before making off empty-handed in a blue-coloured vehicle.
Officers said the men are described as all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.
They are asking anyone with information, CCTV or any dashcam footage which may assist police to contact DC Yasmeen Hussain at Middlesbrough CID.
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 233406. Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at orlo.uk/iz72W or by phoning 0800 555 111.
