POLICE APPEAL: BUSHEY WAR HERO’S MEDALS STOLEN

A war hero’s widow from Bushey was left distraught last week when heartless thieves made off with her husband’s medals. A total of five medals were stolen from a home in Chiltern Avenue when an offender/offenders forced their way into the property through a window. The medals were awarded to the victim’s husband in recognition of his service in the Royal Air Force. He had also received an OBE medal for services to Hertfordshire’s Air Training Corps, which was also stolen.  The OBE medal is inscribed with the name ‘John Hemley. As well as the medals, a number of Tissot watches were taken, which were engraved with ‘JWH’. Detectives investigating the burglary are now appealing for information that will lead to the recovery of the property stolen. The offence occurred between 3pm on Friday, November 29 and 11.45am on Saturday, November 30. Detective Constable Paul Spencer, investigating, 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, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.