Police launch appeal after Olympic gold medals stolen in burglary
Richard Meade's Olympic gold medals from the Munich Games were stolen
Avon and Somerset Police
Two Olympic gold medals have been reported stolen in a burglary near Marshfield.
The medals won by British equestrian Richard Meade at the 1972 Munich Games, were taken from a property after thieves forced entry between Tuesday 29 October and Friday 1 November.
The theft has prompted a police investigation and an emotional appeal from the Meade family for their safe return.
Richard Meade, who passed away in 2015, was a celebrated Olympic champion whose medals hold profound sentimental significance for his family, despite their limited monetary worth.
Richard Meade's Olympic gold medal from the Munich Games
Avon and Somerset Police
Richard Meade on Laurieston in the dressage exercise ring at Badminton during the horse trails
PA archive
The burglary also saw several pieces of jewellery, antiques and trophies taken from the property.
Angela Meade, Richard's wife, has made a heartfelt plea for the medals' return.
"Richard died in 2015 and these medals hold a special place in the hearts of our whole family," she said.
"We are all extremely proud of his achievements as an event rider, and whilst the medals are of very little monetary value, they are priceless to us."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Angela Meade revealed the medals were worthless as they're not made of real gold
Avon and Somerset PoliceShe urged anyone with knowledge of the medals' whereabouts to hand them in to the police or contact authorities immediately.
This is not the first time the medals have been stolen from the Meade family.
She revealed: "In the 1980s, they were stolen from a car, but following a media appeal, the medals were left hidden in a public place, the authorities were tipped off and the medals were reunited with Richard."
The previous incident exposed the medals' true material value.
Richard Meade, on his horse Wayfarer, in the Munich Olympic Games
PA archive
One of the medals had been partially scratched during the 1980s theft, revealing it was not solid gold and had negligible material worth.
The family hopes this second theft will also end in the medals' safe return.
Detective Inspector Danielle Underwood said the items were "of huge sentimental importance to the victims" who are "extremely anxious for their return."
Police have conducted forensic and CCTV enquiries and spoken with local residents.
"Any burglary can have a devastating impact on victims - not only is there a financial or sentimental impact, but it can also make people feel unsafe in their own homes," DI Underwood said.
The investigation is ongoing, with officers continuing efforts to locate the stolen items and identify those responsible.
Police urge anyone who spots the medals or noticed suspicious activity in the area to come forward with information.
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