Heartbreak as pensioners' Willenhall homes ransacked by thieves

Windows were smashed to get inside the homes of 67-year-old David Shaw and 76-year-old James Wallis during two burglaries police believe are linked. Both victims today appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

A watch was stolen from Mr Shaw's home. It was given to his late father, Ronald Shaw, for his 30-year service to British Rail.

The watch has a black leather strap and Ronald's name engraved on the back.

Grandfather-of-two Mr Shaw said: "I wasn't out for long. They fetched all the drawers out. I was gutted."

Precious items stolen from Mr Wallis' home , included two silver engraved medals given to his father by a lock manufacturers for growing food during the Second World War.

Mr Wallis said it was one of the last mementos he had left from his father, Joseph Wallis, who worked for Walsall Lock and Cart Gear and died in 1966, aged 55.

Smashed

The medals were engraved with the words 'Awarded to J Wallis for Walsall Lock and Cart Gear'.

The grandfather-of-six said he had been staying at his partner's address in Wednesbury when thieves struck.

"They threw a brick at the kitchen window to smash it and ransacked the house," he said.

A gold watch given to his late stepfather, Alfred Ordidge, in honour of his long service to London, Midland and Scottish Railway was also stolen.

Thieves also took two silver napkin rings and Mr Wallis' birth certificate when they raided his home between November 5 and 6.

They struck at Mr Shaw's address on November 14 between 2pm and 10pm.

Detectives now believe that they are both linked to a third burglary in Coppice Lane.

Call police on 101.