A HEARTLESS thief broke into a care home and stole jewellery and military medals belonging to elderly and vulnerable residents.

PC Matt Stasiak is urging whoever is responsible to “search their conscience” and return the precious items stolen from Chilton Care Centre in Durham Road, Chilton, at about 11.45pm on Wednesday.

Staff and families are devastated following the burglary, which occurred after a thief or thieves smashed a window to gain access to a locked manager’s office.

They then made off with a safe containing cash, military medals and jewellery, including rings necklaces, military medals and earrings.

PC Stasiak said: “The residents are devastated. This is a horrendous incident, targeting vulnerable people some of whom have dementia.

"This has caused unnecessary stress and I would ask whoever is responsible to search their conscience and return these items, which have great sentimental value,

“Jewellery is one thing but the medals have been earned and cannot just be replaced.”

  • Anyone with any information about the burglary or who is offered any of the items for sale is asked to contact PC Stasiak on 101 quoting incident number CRI00068957.
  • Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.