By MATT NICHOLLS
THE DAUGHTER of an Armidale war hero said she was devastated when she discovered her late father’s service medals were stolen.
Beverly Jenkins returned from an Armidale City Pipe Band function on Friday night to find her Quin Avenue home turned upside down.
The thieves ransacked the house and stole a safe that was bolted to a wall.
In it included Ms Jenkins’ birth certificate, passport, will and other documents.
However, it was her father’s World War II medals that held the most significance.
“I was devastated,” she said.
“I just want the medals back, they are the only things that matter.”
Mrs Jenkins said she had a hard time breaking the news to her 89-year-old mother, who lives in an aged care facility in Nowra.
“Mum was pretty upset, but she was mostly concerned about me and my wellbeing,” she said.
Harold Jenkins served in the Royal Australian Air Force and spent time as a pilot in England, Canada and Northern Africa.
After the war, he finished his agricultural science degree at the University of Sydney before moving to Armidale to work at the University of New England.
One of his jobs at UNE was to manage the School of Rural Science’s properties in the region.
Mrs Jenkins said the last time her father wore his medals was at the 1998 Anzac Day service in Kingaroy, the town he grew up in.
She said his medals could not be replaced.
“If anyone finds them I beg them to take them to the Armidale Police Station,” she said.
On the same night, two nearby properties were burgled in Kirkwood Street.
Acting Inspector John Walkowiak said police were yet to determine if the break-ins were related.
He said anyone with information should contact Armidale police on 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
