The 2 Olympic gold medals gained by the late Richard Meade on the 1972 Olympics have been stolen – for a second time.
The group and particular person eventing medals, which Richard and Laurieston gained in Munich, have been taken when the Meade property in Marshfield, South Gloucestershire, was damaged into between Tuesday, 29 October and Friday, 1 November. Jewelry, antiques and trophies have been additionally stolen.
Richard’s widow Angela mentioned: “Richard died in 2015 and these medals are very particular to our complete household.
“We’re all extraordinarily happy with his achievements as an occasion rider, and while the medals are of little or no financial worth, they’re priceless to us.
“I’d plead for anybody who is aware of the whereabouts of the medals handy them in to the police or some other secure place as quickly as attainable, or for anybody who sees them to contact the police.”
Angela added that the medals have been stolen earlier than.
“Within the Nineteen Eighties, they have been stolen whereas on mortgage to an exhibition, however following a media enchantment, the medals have been left hidden in a public place, the authorities have been tipped off and the medals have been reunited with Richard,” she mentioned.
“One medal had been partially scratched, revealing that it was not stable gold and due to this fact of no materials worth.”
Richard was a member of the British eventing group for 21 years. He was on the group that gained gold on the 1968 Olympics, and on the 1970 World Championships, the place he additionally gained particular person silver.
Detective Inspector Danielle Underwood of Avon and Somerset Police mentioned: “This stuff are understandably of big sentimental significance to the victims, and they’re extraordinarily anxious for them to be returned.
“Officers have carried out forensic and CCTV enquiries and have spoken to folks residing within the space. Efforts to find this stuff and establish these accountable for their theft are persevering with.
“Any housebreaking can have a devastating influence on victims – not solely is there a monetary or sentimental influence, however it could possibly additionally make folks really feel unsafe in their very own houses.
“I’d encourage anybody who sees any of this stuff, noticed anybody performing suspiciously within the space or has any data which might assist our investigation to return ahead.”
Anybody with data is requested to name 101, quoting reference quantity 5224288325, or full a web-based appeals kind. Data can be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or filling in a distinct on-line kind.
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Credit score: Clive Hiles
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Credit score: Future
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits via to worldwide championships.