A Parklands couple are hoping beyond hope for the return of World War 2 medals and other family heirlooms stolen from their home during a burglary that left them devastated.
Murray and Jill Inniss said they were out only for a short while on Monday, and when they returned they found some of their most invaluable possessions gone.
Among the stolen items were six service medals won by Mr Inniss’s father, who served as an Ambulance driver in the New Zealand military during the war in Egypt and North Africa.
”I don’t know if they’re worth anything, but they have great sentimental value,” he said.
“My father met my mother when he was at war, and these medals mean a lot to my family.
“I was just thinking it was time to hand the medals down to my son.
“He goes to the memorial services and he'd be proud to wear his Pop's medals.”
Also stolen was were a bundle of family records and papers, including service documentation for Mr Inniss’s father such as his pay book and a certificate sent to him on command of the King after he was mentioned in dispatches.
An ornamental dagger that Mr Inniss said came home with his father from Egypt was also taken in the burglary, along with valuable jewellery belonging to Mrs Inniss.
However, some of this material had been recovered, much of it irretrievably water-damaged.
Mr Inniss said a handbag that was also stolen in the burglary was found floating in North Yunderup by a man crabbing with his children.
The man found much of the documentation inside, including family photographs, and put details of the find on social media where it was seen by a friend of Mr Inniss.
“It was very kind of the man to get in touch,” he said.
“A friend saw it, so it was very lucky we came across it at all.”
Mr and Mrs Inniss are calling on the thief show some heart and hand the medals into police.
Mr Inniss said it would be a terrible shame if the medals could not be recovered.
“They are a reminder of the many sacrifices made by people over many years,” he said.
Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1300 333 000.