Rare military collection stolen from elderly man (From York Press)

Rare military collection stolen from elderly man

12:13pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

AN 85-YEAR-OLD man has been left “shocked and upset” following the theft of his collection of military memorabilia.

The rare items - which have been collected over 40 years - were taken from the man’s home in Easingwold.

Collectors are urged to keep an eye out for the the stolen pieces, which mainly originate from the 68th Durham Light Infantry.

The stolen memorabilia was wrapped in tissue and stored in a shoebox at the victim’s home.

PC Adam Gatenby, of Easingwold police, said: “The owner of the military pieces is shocked and upset by this theft. They are extremely precious to him and hold great sentimental value.

“He has been collecting the pieces, which are his prized possessions, for over 40 years and would greatly welcome their return.

“The items which have been stolen are rare, so selling them for a good price could only be achieved at specialist dealerships. They are also rare enough to stand out if they were to be sold to a pawnbroker.

“Therefore, I am appealing to dealers of military memorabilia and pawnbrokers to be on the look out for the stolen items and to contact the police or Crimestoppers if they come into contact with them.”

Anyone with information about the items - which are believed to have been stolen between January 12 and 31 - should call North Yorkshire Police on 101.