UPDATE: Three arrested in connection with war medals theft

Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of war medals from a home in Wargrave.

The medals, one from New Zealand and one from Bomber Command, were taken from the home in Silverdale Road on October 28.

They belonged to the uncle of the family.

Jewellery, and a guitar made by the family's son, were also taken.

A back garden patio door was smashed in to gain access to the property.

Police arrested three men in Twyford Road, Reading, on Tuesday, November 6. Officers have also recovered some of the stolen items, but not the war medals.

A 32-year-old man, from Tilehurst, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been released on bail until December 11.

Christopher Kupiec, 31, from Hazel Road, Purley-on-Thames, has been charged with one count of burglary, and one count of theft, relating to the theft of two bronze cannons from a property in Sonning Common on November 16, 2011. He has also been charged with one count of driving a motor vehicle without insurance.

Peter Cripps, 31, of Romsey Road, Tilehurst, has been charged with one count of burglary.

Cripps and Kupiec are set to face trial at Reading Crown Court and have been remanded in custody.

Investigating officer PC Chris Susel said: “War medals are not items which can be easily replaced and these are of sentimental value to the family.

“We urge anyone with information about where they could be to get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information about the location of the medals should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.