Paddy O'Brien had war medals stolen from his house last month. Picture: Keryn Stevens Source: adelaidenow
AN OVINGHAM man is calling on the public to help find his late father's World War I medals and thousands of dollars worth of jewellery, stolen from his home.
Three medals awarded to David O'Brien, who served in the Navy during World War I, were stolen from the home of his son Paddy and his wife Sue last month.
"They're not worth anything to (thieves)," Paddy said.
"You just live in hope that they'll be found."
Paddy made the discovery after arriving home to find his front door broken.
"As soon as I came in I realised they were taken because the drawer was left open," he said.
He contacted the Royal Australian Navy in an attempt to get the medals issued again.
"They don't reissue them so now that they're gone, they're gone," he said.
The couple are remaining hopeful the items will be handed in to police.
Their home was broken into on Friday, February 22, while Paddy was driving his neighbour to pick up her purse, which she left at the Northpark Shopping Centre.
Sue said the medals and her jewellery, including her engagement ring, were "irreplacable".
"(The neighbour) was so upset when she found out what had happened."
Holden Hill Superintendent James Blandford said police had contacted second hand dealers to be on the look out for the medals and jewellery.
He said over recent years, other war medals stolen in the area had been recovered and returned to their owners once thieves realised they had little monetary value.
"More than likely they'll turn up," he said.
Another neighbour, Kerry Arnold, said theft was particularly disappointing because the couple were always ready to lend a hand when anyone was in need.
She has nominated the couple for the Messenger Community News Adelaide's Best Neighbour competition.
"Paddy and Sue are great examples of what being a close knit neighbourhood is all about," Mrs Arnold said.
"Both are very giving of their time and support and I feel safe and lucky to have such great neighbours living next door."
Nominations have closed and a winner will be announced next week.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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