A Plymouth Army veteran named Peter “Mitch” Mitchell has finally been reunited with his stolen war medals, five years after they were taken in a burglary at his home. The items were scattered across the country, some even found inside a pillowcase at a railway depot. This heartwarming reunion came after a long and challenging journey for Mr. Mitchell, who had to endure the loss of his wife to cancer just a few months before the burglary took place.
The stolen items, including jewellery, gold coins, and the precious medals awarded to him for his service during Operation Haven, were discovered by the Clean Our Patch community interest company near a former railway depot in Plymouth. The group posted a photo of their find on Facebook, and a follower recognized the items from a police photo appeal issued years earlier. The recovered items were then handed over to the police and eventually returned to Mr. Mitchell at the Devonport Police Enquiry Office.
Mr. Mitchell expressed his gratitude for the return of his belongings, mentioning that while some of the items were of low monetary value, they held great sentimental significance to him. The medals awarded to him were for his efforts during Operation Haven, a relief mission to protect Kurdish refugees fleeing from Iraq in 1991. Despite the challenges he faced, Mr. Mitchell remains humble and thankful for the volunteer litter pickers who helped recover his stolen items.
The police, although unable to identify the suspect behind the burglary, were pleased to have been able to reunite Mr. Mitchell with some of his stolen items prior to the recent discovery. They emphasized the importance of reporting burglaries and reassured the public that each report would be thoroughly investigated. The police spokesperson highlighted the violation that burglaries represent, as they occur in the place where victims should feel safest – their own homes.
This heartwarming story of reunion and resilience serves as a reminder of the impact of community support and the dedication of law enforcement in reuniting victims with their stolen possessions. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans like Mr. Mitchell, who not only served their country but also had to endure personal hardships along the way. The power of perseverance and the kindness of strangers have brought a sense of closure and relief to Mr. Mitchell, allowing him to cherish the memories and significance of his recovered items.