War veteran to receive replacement medals – thanks to officer leading burglary investigation

A war veteran whose medals were stolen after his house was burgled is due to be issued with replacements medals thanks to the noble actions of a Northumbria neighbourhood officer.

In August, police received a call from a member of the public, who after returning home from a stay in hospital, had believed his property had been burgled. 

It was reported that several possessions had been taken from the property near Chester Road, in Sunderland, including a selection of the former soldier’s war medals and a bank card – with just under £10,000 being withdrawn following the burglary.  

However, despite the large sum of money that had been taken, it was evident that the loss of the medals, which represented over 25 years of service, were of most importance.   

The veteran said: “My military medals meant everything to me, I was so proud of owning them.  

“The medals I was awarded by the Army are the only tangible asset which reminded me of my service. They had so many memories attached to them.  

“They would remind me of where I served, memories good and bad, as well as allowing me to remember service personnel I worked alongside during my career who never made it home.  

“Every single person who has ever been issued a military medal will understand the significance attached to them, they are far more than metal.  

“I earnt those medals, they were mine.” 

Sunderland’s Neighbourhood officer, PC Alex Cowie, was tasked with making follow up enquiries on the incident – and with a military background himself, the veteran’s loss really struck a chord.  

Due to the PC’s excellent local neighbourhood knowledge, he immediately identified three suspects, all of which were subsequently arrested.  

Not only did PC Cowie carry out enquiries, secure arrests and maintain contact with the victim, keeping him up to date with the investigation – he went above and beyond to submit an application to the Ministry of Defence requesting replacement medals.  

The Ministry of Defence have since been in touch, confirming plans are being put in motion to provide replacements to the veteran.

When the decorated former soldier received a letter from the Ministry of Defence informing him PC Cowie had applied for replacement medals, he was “chuffed to bits”.

He said:

“There was a lot going on at the time and it's not something I was expecting.  

“It took a huge weight of my shoulders as they are what mattered most to me. I thought I'd never see the medals I had earnt again.

“I am so thankful that PC Cowie went out of his way to request replacements – it was a small gesture which meant so much.”

Northumbria Police’s neighbourhood officers do more than fight crime. They’re problem solvers, change-makers, and protectors at the heart of a community. Their role is all about finding solutions, building trust, and creating safer streets for everyone.  

They go above and beyond for their local communities, and the initiative PC Cowie has shown, is just one example of this.

He said: “As soon as I was made aware of this awful crime, I felt a sense of responsibility to ensure the veteran was reunited with replacement medals.  

“It was evident when speaking with the veteran, despite a large amount of money being stolen, his medals mattered most to him, and he was devastated they had been taken from him.

“Arranging replacement medals for the veteran was an absolute privilege and the very least I could do.” 

Inspired by PC Cowie’s actions to help protect communities, drive change, and create safer streets as a neighbourhood officer?   

Northumbria Police are the first police force in the country to offer new recruits an option to specialise in neighbourhood policing.  

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