A DESPERATE plea has been made for the return of a set of Falklands War medals stolen in a house burglary.

It happened between 4.30pm on Friday, July 24, and 9.30am on Sunday, July 26, when burglars got into a house on Ewart Street, South Shields.

Jewellery, a camera and a X-Box games console was stolen along with the collection of silver medals.

"These are Falklands War medals and have great sentimental value to the householders who are desperate to get them back. Some of the medals were attached to a black Royal Navy officer's jacket," said a spokesman for Northumbria Police.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and is on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information to help or who has been offered the medals for sale is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 0455 26/07/15.

"Residents are also asked to remain vigilant, ensuring windows and doors are secure and valuables are not left on display," the spokeswoman added.

"They should also report any unusual activity, people or vehicles in their neighbourhood to police straight away."

For more crime prevention advice visit http://www.northumbria.police.uk/homesecurity.

Police can be contacted on 101 ext 69191, to report a crime ongoing dial 999.