War medals stolen from 101-year-old woman during burglary near Cheltenham

Police are appealing for information after thieves stole irreplaceable war medals from the home of a woman, aged 101, in what her son has called “a callous invasion of her privacy”.

Betty Rout was woken by the offenders who had gained entry to her property near Cheltenham at some time between 10pm and midnight on Friday 28 June.

From her bedroom Betty witnessed two men walking from the kitchen and out of the front door carrying her belongings.

The offenders stole a safe containing six medals and uniform patches awarded to Betty’s late husband, Stephen Rout, during the Second World War. A number of handbags, purses and documents were also taken.

Stephen served in the Royal Army Service Corps prior to WWII rising to the rank of Sergeant Major and continued in service throughout the war until he was demobilised in 1947.

He was subsequently awarded medals for his service in Palestine, Africa and Italy and was also mentioned in dispatches for distinguished service in July 1945.

Betty’s son, Robin Rout, is saddened by the incident and hopes it won't affect his inspirational mother. He said: "Even though my mother is now 101, she is determined to stay in her own home and remain as independent as she can.

“Through the support of family, wonderful carers, and local authorities she has been able to do so up until now.

“It would be a tragedy if such a callous invasion of her privacy, and the theft of memories that can never be replaced did anything to compromise her ambition.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of the medals to come forward.

They can contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 151 of 29 June: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/

You can also call 101, quoting the same incident number.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.