‘They’re priceless – to us’ – legendary rider’s Olympic gold medals stolen

The 2 Olympic gold medals received by the late Richard Meade on the 1972 Olympics have been stolen – for a second time.

The group and particular person eventing medals, which Richard and Laurieston received in Munich, had been taken when the Meade property in Marshfield, South Gloucestershire, was damaged into between Tuesday, 29 October and Friday, 1 November. Jewelry, antiques and trophies had been additionally stolen.

Richard’s widow Angela mentioned: “Richard died in 2015 and these medals are very particular to our complete household.

“We’re all extraordinarily pleased with his achievements as an occasion rider, and while the medals are of little or no financial worth, they’re priceless to us.

“I might plead for anybody who is aware of the whereabouts of the medals handy them in to the police or another protected place as quickly as attainable, or for anybody who sees them to contact the police.”

Angela added that the medals have been stolen earlier than.

“Within the Eighties, they had been stolen whereas on mortgage to an exhibition, however following a media attraction, the medals had been left hidden in a public place, the authorities had been tipped off and the medals had been reunited with Richard,” she mentioned.

“One medal had been partially scratched, revealing that it was not stable gold and subsequently of no materials worth.”

Richard was a member of the British eventing group for 21 years. He was on the group that received gold on the 1968 Olympics, and on the 1970 World Championships, the place he additionally received particular person silver.

Detective Inspector Danielle Underwood of Avon and Somerset Police mentioned: “These things are understandably of giant sentimental significance to the victims, and they’re extraordinarily anxious for them to be returned.

“Officers have carried out forensic and CCTV enquiries and have spoken to individuals dwelling within the space. Efforts to find these things and establish these liable for their theft are persevering with.

“Any housebreaking can have a devastating influence on victims – not solely is there a monetary or sentimental influence, however it could additionally make individuals really feel unsafe in their very own properties.

“I might encourage anybody who sees any of these things, noticed anybody performing suspiciously within the space or has any info which might assist our investigation to come back ahead.”

Anybody with info is requested to name 101, quoting reference quantity 5224288325, or full an on-line appeals kind. Data may also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or filling in a special on-line kind.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by means of to worldwide championships.