Richard Meade, a British Olympic legend in equestrian sports, had his three gold medals stolen in a burglary at his family’s home near Marshfield in South Gloucestershire. The medals, which hold immense sentimental value to his family, were taken along with other valuables like jewelry, antiques, and trophies.
Richard’s widow, Angela Meade, made a heartfelt appeal for the return of the stolen medals, emphasizing their priceless significance to the family. She mentioned that while the medals may not have a high monetary value, they are irreplaceable in terms of sentimental value. Angela urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the medals to contact the police or return them to a safe place.
This is not the first time the medals have been stolen, as they were taken from a car in the 1980s but were later returned after a media appeal. One of the medals was found to be not solid gold, reducing its material value, but its sentimental value remained intact.
Detective Inspector Danielle Underwood expressed the importance of the stolen items to the victims and the ongoing efforts to locate them and identify the culprits. She highlighted the devastating impact of burglaries on victims, both financially and emotionally, creating a sense of insecurity in their own homes.
Police have conducted forensic searches and CCTV inquiries, as well as speaking to residents in the area for any relevant information. The investigation is ongoing, and any leads or sightings of the stolen items are encouraged to be reported to the authorities.
The story of Richard Meade’s stolen Olympic gold medals serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that burglaries can have on individuals and families. The sentimental value of certain possessions often outweighs their monetary price, making their loss particularly distressing. The plea for the return of the stolen medals reflects the deep emotional connection that the Meade family has to Richard’s legacy in equestrian sports.
As the investigation continues, the hope remains that the stolen medals will be recovered and returned to their rightful owners. In the meantime, the community’s support and cooperation in providing any information related to the burglary are crucial in aiding the police efforts to solve the case and bring closure to the Meade family.
