Military service medals missing after burglary at ex-RAF couple's home in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
BURGLARS have left Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Craig Lippett devastated after snatching his valued service medals.
Craig and his wife Anita, who lost jewellery in the break in, returned to their home in Summer Street, Stroud, on Sunday after a romantic weekend away to find their bedroom window had been forced open.
Gone were 43-year-old Craig's Iraq and Afghanistan General Service Medals, his RAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal awarded for 15 years exemplary service and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal from 2002.
All had his name, rank and service number 8285145S engraved around the edge.
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The couple originally met when they both served in RAF air traffic control.
Radiographer Anita, 45, said: "Craig holds his medals dear to him. I'd so like to get them back.
"I suspect the jewellery will soon be gone forever but if anyone is offered a strip of four medals please can they contact Stroud Life.
"They are very distinctive and have the appropriate ribbons attached with the name Michael Lippett on the edge."
She added: "Having done two tours in Iraq and a nine-month tour in Afghanistan, Craig is desperate to see those medals again."
Craig, whose first name is Michael but uses his middle name, now works as a civilian unmanned aircraft systems trainer. He served with the RAF for 22 years.
Anita's stolen jewellery included her grandmother's 1930 wedding band and an engagement ring given to her by her mother last year as a gift.
"They are probably now heading for the nearest cash for gold store," she said.
"I was gutted and felt numb at the thought of the sentimental loss. They even took two silver coloured medals I gained at Cheltenham Music Festival in 1977 as a 10-year-old."
Police have offered crime prevention advice to the couple.
Craig and Anita, who have both been married previously, were reunited through Facebook when they were single again.
They were married in 2009. Anita has a daughter who was at a sleepover during the burglary.
Anita said: "The burglary has made me realise I have been a victim of my own complacency. I thought I didn't have much of worth but I was wrong."
3 Comments
by QwertyOS
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 12:00PM
“The sad thing is the medals will be sold for a couple of quid to feed some chavy habit or other. Hopefully they will end up in a pawn shop or second hand memorabilia market and an honest owner sees fit to try and return them using the service number.
Hope they get them back.”
by Douglasknows
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 11:16AM
“We are far too soft on criminals. I agree with buffersyeoman and think that after the hand has been publicly cut off (in the town centre, thereby helping the shopping precinct) he/she should then be stoned.”
by Douglasknows
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 11:16AM
“We are far too soft on criminals. I agree with buffersyeoman and think that after the hand has been publicly cut off (in the town centre, thereby helping the shopping precinct) he/she should then be stoned.”
by buffersyeoman
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 10:19AM
“If and when this piece of scum is caught,he or her should be treated as an Afghan criminal!
Chop their right hand off!!!!!!!!
End of story!! Scum bag!!!”