UPDATE: Thieves targeted a Gulf War veteran to steal service medals

Thieves struck at the home of a Gulf War veteran in South Normanton to steal a selection of medals.
The stolen medal include one for serving in the Gulf War, and another for service in Northern Ireland.The stolen medal include one for serving in the Gulf War, and another for service in Northern Ireland.
The stolen medal include one for serving in the Gulf War, and another for service in Northern Ireland.

Police said the house of a military veteran, who serve in the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, was targeted by the thieves, who broke into his house and stole nothing but five military honours.

Officers have released details of the five war medals which were taken from a house in in Lathkill Drive, South Normanton sometime between 10am and 12.50pm on Thursday, April 28.

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A spokesman said: "A burglar broke into a house - thought the downstairs window. They took five war medals, one awarded for serving in Northern Ireland and one for serving in the Gulf War. Both medals are stamped with the victim’s army number 24780829."

But there have been no reports of burglars making a disruptive search of the house, leaving officers to believe the medals were intentionally targeted.

It is believed there may be an increase in the number of medal thefts as burglars believe they have more value than they do.

Antiques expert Richard at the Victoria Collectibles in Mansfield told us: "They could be valuable but it depends what regiment and what year. Unless there's something like a military cross, if it's just service medals, they don't fetch a lot."

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The centre was also called over the weekend by a seller asking for a valuation for war medals - the centre is inquiring into whether this is linked to the thefts.

Anyone with information should call DC Kelia Marceta-Cooper on 101, quoting crime reference number 18370/16. Alternatively, send her a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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