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Police launch appeal after Olympic gold medals stolen in burglary
Police launch appeal after Olympic gold medals stolen in burglary
Thieves broke into a house in southwest London and stole a number of Olympic gold medals, police have said.
The burglary happened in the early hours of Wednesday, 24 August, in the Richmond area. The medals were taken from a cabinet in the house.
The medals were won by a British athlete at the 2012 London Olympics, police said.
The athlete, who has not been named, is said to be “devastated” by the theft.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglary to come forward.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “We are appealing for information following a burglary at a residential address in Richmond, southwest London, on Wednesday, 24 August.
“A number of Olympic gold medals were stolen during the burglary, which took place in the early hours of the morning.
“The medals were won by a British athlete at the 2012 London Olympics.
“The athlete is devastated by the theft and we are doing everything we can to find those responsible and return the medals to them.
“We are appealing for anyone with information about the burglary to come forward.
“If you have any information, please contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC.”
The burglary has been met with widespread condemnation.
UK Sport chief executive Sally Munday said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the theft of Olympic gold medals from a British athlete.
“These medals are not only of great financial value, but also of immense sentimental value to the athlete who won them.
“We urge anyone with information about the burglary to come forward and help police catch those responsible.”
British Olympic Association chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said: “We are deeply concerned to hear of the theft of Olympic gold medals from a British athlete.
“These medals are a symbol of the hard work and dedication of our athletes, and we know how much they will be missed by the athlete who won them.
“We urge anyone with information about the burglary to come forward and help police catch those responsible.”