Burglar Pinches Priceless WW2 Medals in Shocking Northampton Break-Ins
Grant Picketts, 41, a repeat offender from Northampton, broke into a Billing Road home multiple times in September and October while the owner was away caring for a friend. The brazen crook didn’t just steal gadgets and jewellery – he helped himself to food and, most heartbreakingly, swiped priceless war medals belonging to the homeowner’s father.
Sentimental War Medals Stolen – Owner Left Devastated
Among the stolen goods were war medals from the Wiltshire Regiment, awarded for the homeowner’s father’s valiant service during World War Two. Despite detectives’ best efforts, Picketts refuses to reveal where he dumped the medals, leaving the victim heartbroken and desperate to recover these irreplaceable family heirlooms.
“This incident has caused me a lot of stress and has left me feeling completely violated,” said the homeowner. “I struggle to comprehend how another human being can break into someone’s home, dissect their belongings, and then steal whatever they fancy. What has upset me most is that my father’s watches and war medals were taken. These are very precious and of great sentimental value to me. I wish I was able to recover them.”
Forensics Crack Case – Burglar Locked Up for Three Years
A robust investigation and strong forensic evidence led to Picketts’ arrest and charge. He was sentenced to three years in prison for his crimes.
Detective Sergeant Terry Rush from Burglary Team West slammed Picketts as a “remorseless burglar” who has spent his life stealing from hardworking people instead of earning an honest living.
“It’s such a shame that even now, he won’t tell the victim where the war medals are,” said DS Rush. “These items hold deep sentimental value, reminding us of the sacrifices made by the victim’s father and countless others who served in the war. How sad they ended up in the hands of someone completely unworthy to even touch them – Grant Picketts, whose actions have brought nothing but misery to society. I hope he uses his three years behind bars to reflect on his choices and turns his life around.”
