Brazen Burglar Steals Priceless WW2 Medals and Valuables in Northampton Break-Ins
Grant Picketts, 41, from Northampton, launched a series of daring break-ins on a Billing Road home this September and October. With the homeowner away caring for a friend, Picketts didn’t just help himself—he feasted from the fridge and swiped a haul including a TV, electronics, jewellery, and most heartbreakingly, priceless war medals.
Stolen War Medals Hold Deep Sentimental Value
The war medals belonged to the homeowner’s father, a WW2 veteran who served with the Wiltshire Regiment. These items are irreplaceable treasures with huge emotional significance. Despite police efforts, Picketts has refused to reveal their whereabouts, leaving the family desperate for answers.
“This incident has caused me a lot of stress and has left me feeling completely violated. I struggle to comprehend how another human being can break into someone’s home, dissect their belongings, and then steal whatever they fancy,” the victim said.
“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.”
Picketts Jailed for Three Years Amid Ongoing Mystery
Forensic work and a determined police investigation led to Picketts’ arrest. He’s now behind bars for three years, but the stolen medals remain missing. Detective Sergeant Terry Rush slammed Picketts as a “remorseless burglar” who has wasted his life stealing instead of working.
“It’s such a shame that even now, he still won’t tell the victim whereabouts the war medals are. These items have enormous sentimental value, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who served our country,” said Sgt Rush.
“How sad that they ended up in the hands of someone completely unworthy to even touch them – a man whose actions have brought nothing but misery to society. I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect and change.”
This shocking case highlights the pain burglary can inflict—not just over stolen valuables, but the destruction of memories and legacies. The search for the missing war medals continues, with the victim and community hoping for their safe return.
