My treasured MBE medal was stolen in home burglary (From Echo)

Crook took man's Korean war medal in Eastwood burglary

2:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Southend By Laura Smith

Shocked – Michael Elmes

A DEDICATED teacher has had his MBE medal stolen. The prized possession, which Michael Elmes earned through years of working with young people, was taken during a burglary at his home.

Mr Elmes, 65, head of business and enterprise at St Bernard’s High School, Westcliff, has spent more than 40 years being a leader for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Southend. He received the prestigious award in 2009.

He said: “I want to get it back.

“I can write to St James’s Palace and they may replace it eventually, but I’d like the one I was given.

“It’s of great value to me. Hopefully someone might come across it.”

He is dumbfounded as to why the thief would have stolen the medal from his house in Snakes Lane, Eastwood, because it would have no financial value.

Any collector would be sure to turn it down – as it would be obvious it was stolen.

However, Mr Elmes said he was shocked by other items stolen during the raid.

He added: “The teabag box was even in the lounge on the floor. I don’t know if it was some sort of message, but he left one teabag in it and took the rest.”

His old schooboy pins and badges were also taken, including ones for the Red Cross and Boys Brigade.

But, most upsettingly, the thief also took the Korean Veterans medal belonging to his uncle, Jim Elmes, who died last year aged 81.

A Sony Vaio laptop also went along with a digital camera and 325 euros.

However, Mr Elmes said nothing will take away his memories of the day he was awarded his MBE.

He said: “It was fantastic. It was a very special day and everybody in the family was very proud.”

The crook, a slim person wearing a three-quarter-length jacket, was seen leaving a property via the front door at about 9am last Friday.

The thief got into the house by smashing the glass in two rear doors, causing about £500 damage.

PC Paul Wigington, the investigating officer, said: “Snakes Lane is a well-used thoroughfare, especially at 9am.

“It will have been busy with parents returning from the school run and people making their way to work.

“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in this area? If so, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call PC Wigington, at Southend police station, on 101.