A 92-year-old war veteran whose military medals were stolen on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings today said he is “desperate” for their return.
Eleven medals were taken from the retired firefighter’s home in Whetstone, north London, on Friday as thousands gathered in Normandy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Allies’ invasion.
A man claiming to represent a water company knocked on the unnamed pensioner’s door and said he needed to check the water pressure, Scotland Yard said.
He was allowed in and appeared to look at the taps in the kitchen before leaving a short while later. That evening the victim noticed items in his bedroom had been disturbed.
He also found 11 war and service medals had been stolen.
Nothing else is believed to have been taken and no arrests have been made, police said.
The man who entered the house is described as white, about 5ft 10in and of stocky build.
He spoke with an Irish accent and wore grey clothing which was similar to an engineer’s outfit.
The veteran served with the Grenadier Guards during the Second World War, mainly in Italy and North Africa.
A police spokesman said: “A 92 year old veteran and retired fireman has had 11 medals stolen in a burglary on June 6th. He desperately wants them back.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.