Objection to theft of Olympic gold medals

Officers investigating a burglary where two Olympic gold medals were stolen at a house near Marshfield in South Gloucestershire are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Equestrian Richard Meade’s medals won at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich were taken after entry to the property was enforced between Tuesday 29 October and Friday 1 November.

A large number of pieces of jewellery, antiques and trophies were also taken.

Angela Meade, Richard’s wife, said: “Richard died in 2015 and these medals are very special to our whole family.

“We are all extremely proud of his achievements as an event rider and although the medals have little monetary value they are invaluable to us.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the medals to hand them over to the police or to a safe location as soon as possible, or for anyone who sees them to contact the police.”

He added: “This is not the first time medals have been stolen. It was stolen while being loaned to an exhibition in the 1980s, but after a media appeal the medals were hidden in a public location, the authorities were notified and the medals were reunited with Richard.

“The fact that a medal is partially scratched indicates that it is not solid gold and therefore has no monetary value.”

Detective Inspector Danielle Underwood said: “These items are understandably of great sentimental significance to the victims and they are extremely anxious about their return.

“Officers carried out forensic and CCTV investigations and spoke to people living in the area. “Efforts are ongoing to locate these items and identify those responsible for the theft.

“Any burglary can have a devastating impact on victims, not only having a financial or emotional impact, but also leaving people feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“I would encourage anyone who has seen any of these items, seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or has any information that could assist our investigation moving forward.”

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