Precious war medals stolen in Braunton burglary

Police are investigating a burglary at a Braunton home where precious war medals were taken while the owners were away on holiday.

Offenders smashed through the back door to get inside the property on the A361 in Heddon Mill sometime between 9.30am on Saturday 26 March and 00.30am on Monday 4 April.

They made a very untidy search of the property before stealing £645 in cash, various items of jewellery and a number of irreplaceable medals.

At least four war and campaign medals were stolen, some of which are inscribed with ‘506065 G F Jones’ and belonged to the father of the burglary victim.

Also taken were two Rotary Club medals, one of which was inscribed with ‘Braunton 2005-2006’ and the other with ‘Braunton 2009-2010’ [similar to the medal pictured].

Among the items of jewellery taken were a gold chain with a garnet pendant, a double string of pearls in a red velvet case and a gold brooch bearing a Rotary Club emblem.

PC Matthew Reed, based at Ilfracombe, said: “These items are irreplaceable and of huge sentimental value to the owners.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the property during the time of the offence to come forward. We would especially like to hear from anyone who may have been offered these very distinctive medals for sale.”

Anyone who can assist with the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or email: 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/021305/16.