Stolen WWII medals and papers found

Eight World War II medals stolen from a Campbell residence in a January 2021 burglary are among items recently found by ACT Policing and returned to their original owner.

The war medals were among three boxes of memorabilia stolen during the burglary. Also stolen were a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) award, a World War II aircraft flying log book, photographs and a 1964 Studebaker dashboard.

On Friday, 30 July, ACT Policing Criminal Investigations detectives executed a search warrant on a residence in Gowrie and located items related to several other crimes and some of the items stolen in the January burglary.

Detective Acting Inspector Mark Steel said it was always a pleasure to be able to return stolen property to its rightful owner.

“Medals often have little monetary value but their sentimental significance to their owner can never be overstated,” Detective Active Inspector Steel said.

“Being able to return stolen items to where they should be is one of the best parts of policing. While we get to do it quite often, it is a little unusual for it to be items that are so precious to a whole family.

“While we haven’t recovered everything stolen in the January burglary, I would ask anyone who may have seen or heard of the CBE award or a distinctive Studebaker car dashboard being offered for sale to get in touch with police.”

Police are urging anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation, or may have information about any stolen property to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au