A woman in Bushey is appealing for information after her house was broken into and her husband’s medals stolen.

The incident occurred between 3pm on Friday, November 29 and 11.45am on Saturday, November 30 in Chiltern Avenue.

The offender or offenders got into the property by forcing open a window.

Of the items stolen were five medals, which were awarded to the victim’s recently deceased husband in recognition of his service in the Royal Air Force.

The victim’s husband received an OBE medal for services to Hertfordshire’s Air Training Corps and this was also stolen.

The OBE medal is inscribed with the name ‘John Henry’.

Also stolen were a number of Tissot watches, which were engraved with ‘JWH’.

Detective Constable Paul Spencer said: "Whilst the medals and OBE award have very little monetary worth, they have a great deal of sentimental value. The theft has devastated the victim of this thoughtless crime.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure the property is returned to the victim. These items, particularly the OBE medal, are very distinctive as they are inscribed with a name, so I would urge anyone who may have been offered these items for sale, or know of their whereabouts, to contact me.

"Additionally, if anyone has any other information relating to this incident I would urge them to contact me. If you were in the area at the time of the burglary and saw something suspicious or unusual, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Spencer via Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number J2/13/1225. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.