Northampton medal thief who refused to tell police where he sold treasured WW2 heirlooms jailed

A prolific burglar who stole irreplaceable WW2 medals from a Northampton home and refuses to tell police what he did with them has been jailed.

Grant Picketts, of Alfred street, targeted a home on Billing Road while the owner was away helping a severely ill friend and treated it as his own personal department store.

Over the course of 10 days in early October, the 41-year-old made an unknown number of trips to the house where he went from room to room "picking and choosing" what he could take with him this time.

Northampton Crown Court heard on December 7 how Picketts haul included alcohol, an antique handgun, five high-value watches, power tools, shoes, pool equipment, a television, money and two knives - as well everything from soap to shopping bags to cheese from the fridge.

"It isn't nice knowing this offender went through my house from room to room to pick and choose what he wanted," said the homeowner in a statement read out in court.

"What makes me uncomfortable was the fact that I think this offender went in and out of my address over a long period of time.

But prize among Pickett's stolen goods were a set of irreplaceable army medals awarded to the homeowner's father for his services in WW2.

The burglar was caught when a police search of his home turned up a rare bottle of Venezuelan Ron Diplomatico Reserve rum that was stolen in a separate burglary and a receipt proving Picketts had pawned the antique handgun for £40.

When pressed by police, Picketts reportedly "declined" to say where he had got rid of the priceless medals - meaning they have still not been returned home.

The court heard how the 41-year-old has been already sentenced for burglary eight times in his life.

It was also suggested that he may have had accomplices during the break ins. Investigations are ongoing.

His Honour Judge Abraham Mooncey told the burglar in sentencing: "It's a very sad burglary indeed, where someone who has fought for their country in a World War and received medals for their bravery then gets those medals stolen.

"Those things are irreplaceable."

Picketts was jailed for three years and nine months for two counts of burglary and one count of fraud for lying that he was the owner of the antique firearm.

Detective Sergeant Terry Rush, of the Burglary Team West, said: “Grant Picketts is a remorseless burglar who unfortunately, has chosen to spend a large portion of his life stealing belongings from hardworking people as opposed to working hard himself.

“It’s such a shame that even now, he still won’t tell the victim whereabouts the war medals are. These items have such a high sentimental value to their rightful owner, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices the victim’s father made to serve our country and the bravery and immense contributions made of everyone who fought in the war.

“How sad now that they ended up in the hands of someone completely unworthy to even touch them – Grant Picketts, a man whose actions have contributed nothing but misery to society.

“I’m pleased to see Picketts sentenced to three years in prison and I hope he spends time reflecting on the choices he has made so far in life, in order to make better ones when he comes out.”