BURGLARS stole medals that held a huge sentimental value to their elderly owners during a raid last week.

The medals were stolen from a house in Harnham on Monday (February 25) after burglars smashed a window to gain entry.

They were an MBE medal awarded by the Queen in 1983 at Buckingham Palace, and a cross of St Augustine bearing the inscription: "From the Archbishop of Canterbury in Appreciation."

It was one of two burglaries in Harnham Road on Monday, which both took place at about 10.30am.

The houses were just a few doors away from each other and jewellery was taken from both addresses.

Detective Constable Mark Welch said: “Burglaries can be really very upsetting for the victims – in one of these cases, the victims are in their 80s and the medals stolen are incredibly sentimental.

“I am hopeful that members of our community who have any information will come forward and help us find these items so that we can return them to their owners.

“I would like to hear from anyone who was driving along Harnham Road last Monday between 10am and 11am who may have dash-cam footage which could help us identify the person responsible for this completely unacceptable crime.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190019069.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.