By Goya Dmytryshchak
War medals belonging to a veteran of conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan were stolen during a burglary at Newport last month.
The 33-year-old former soldier was at work when two men forced open the front door and ransacked his William Street house about 1.45pm on March 29.
The intruders stole military honours, including his Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Australian Defence Medal and NATO, or ISAF, Medal, which was awarded to him by the French government.
The value of the medals is estimated at $20,000.
Senior Detective Olivia Dennison, of the Hobsons Bay crime investigation unit, said the medals were likely to be worthless to the thieves.
“There wouldn’t be a specific place that they would directly offload them,” she said. “We’re just appealing for any witnesses to the incident and just appealing for any person that might have seen or come across the medals to get in contact with us.”
Police have released images of two men seen leaving the house with a backpack.
One was described as being of Asian appearance, aged 25-30, about 160centimetres, with a slim build and short black hair. He was wearing a light-green jumper, light-blue jeans, green baseball cap and prescription glasses.
The second was described as Caucasian, 25-30 years, about 170 centimetres tall, with a solid build and scruffy brown hair. He was wearing a red jumper and grey track pants.
Detectives have released images of the stolen medals in the hope they can be returned to the owner.
Other items valued about $5000 were also stolen, including a PlayStation 4, computers and jewellery.
Police are appealing for anyone with knowledge of the men’s identity or stolen items to come forward.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
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