Gold watch stolen in rural burglary in North Yorkshire had been "precious relic" belonging to victim's grandfather

Police say a watch stolen in a rural burglary had been awarded to the victim's grandfather as a memento for his 45 years' service working in Britain's railways.
By Susie Beever
Published 4th Sep 2020, 17:57 BST
Updated 4th Sep 2020, 18:02 BST

The gold Smith's gent's watch was taken by thieves who broke into the home between Appleton Wiske and Worsall in North Yorkshire last month.

The relic was engraved on the back with “British Railways in appreciation" and is said to be of high sentimental value.

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Officers say the victim is now offering a £1,000 reward for anyone who can help them arrest and charge someone in connection with the burglary.

Watches taken in the burglary in North YorkshireWatches taken in the burglary in North Yorkshire
Watches taken in the burglary in North Yorkshire

The break-in occurred some time between 6.30pm on Tuesday, August 18, and 8.30am the following morning, North Yorkshire Police said.

Four other watches, two pairs of cuff links, electrical items and firearms were also stolen in the burglary.

The other stolen watches included a Tag Heuer Carrera 300SLR watch, an Omega De Ville watch in yellow gold on steel, a vintage (1961) Omega Seamaster watch and an Omega 18ct gold watch.

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The cuff links taken were described as a gold and silver cuff pair with Mont Blanc black onyx designs and a distinctive gold and silver pair in the shape of shotgun shells.

Officers are urging anyone with information or who is offered the Smith’s watch or any of the other jewellery for sale to contact them. Anyone with dash cam footage of potentially suspicious vehicles in the area at the time of the burglary is also asked to get in touch.

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