AN ARMY veteran whose war medals were stolen by thieves who smashed into his home says his family are now too scared to sleep alone.

Stuart Nimmo, 62, served in the army for 23 years and wants to trace the five precious medals stolen by thieves who ransacked his house in Hanworth while he was on a family holiday. 

His wife and 16-year-old daughter are still in shock after returning home from Gran Canaria on July 21 to find the rear patio doors smashed in and thousands of pounds worth of their possessions missing. 

Mr Nimmo, who still works for the Ministry of Defence, said: "It was a lovely holiday but when we got back we saw the patio door had been smashed in and the top windows were open. They ransacked all the bedrooms and the house was a mess.

"It has affected my family so much that at the moment my wife and daughter have slept in the same bed, my daughter is 16 and is still too scared and worried about being at home by herself. I mean I was shocked for a day or two but I think my time in the army means I can get over things quicker." 

The five medals stolen were of huge sentimental value to Mr Nimmo and included a Northern Ireland medal, Cyprus medal, Germany service medal, a Queen's Jubilee Medal for length of service and a good conduct medal. 

Each of them will be engraved with his army number, 24203104.

Mr Nimmo joined the Berkshire and Wiltshire Duke of Edinburgh Royal Regiment when he was just 17 and served on the front line during Northern Ireland's troubles, he says he's 'annoyed' that someone could steal the medals he risked his life for. 

"I have done 23 years service in the county's own regiment, I put my life on the line and then someone steals my medals. My Northern Ireland medal was given to me in Ireland when we were based there during the Troubles and the Brigadier flew out to present it to me - you can't replace something like that, it's the memories. They took things of a massive sentimental value, they're worth more than any money." he said. 

The break-in occurred between midnight on Sunday, July 7 and 2am on Tuesday, July 21 at the family home in Orion, Hanworth. 

Investigating officer detective constable Alex Hillan said: "The victim has retuned to find some very sentimental items have been stolen from their home.

"I would like to hear from anyone in the area at the time who may have noticed any suspicious behaviour near the property."

If you have any information on the whereabouts of the medals contact police on 101.