Silver stolen in raid on former West Bromwich MP's home

Thieves broke in to Baron Snape of Wednesbury's property at around 6am yesterday stealing treasured items from his political career.

Former West Bromwich East MP, Lord Peter Snape, said it was the fifth time he had been targeted by burglars in 25 years.

Among items taken were a silver box containing the scroll Lord Snape received when he was made an Honorary Freeman by Sandwell Council in 2009, as well as a silver dish presented to him to celebrate 25 years in politics and a pewter mug he was given when he first became an MP in 1974. The peer said the items were worth £10,000.

Police are now investigating and have launched an appeal for information.

The alarm was raised when Lord Snape, aged 71, could hear his dog Maisy, a collie cross, walking around the property in the Hall Green area of Birmingham.

He said: "Our dog, who is pretty ancient, was a bit restless and sleeps upstairs and I heard her moving around. I came downstairs to take her for a walk and discovered the keys weren't in the door.

"I found the door was unlocked and put the light on and the silverware on top of the cabinet in the hall was gone.

"They took the car keys, got into the car that was parked by the garage, went through it all and threw bits and pieces of paper around and left the keys on the front seat of the Lexus."

Despite a number of security measures at the house, including window locks and bars on downstairs windows, the thieves broke in through a small downstairs window, smashing through the glass and then using a piece of wire to lift the lock before climbing in.

Lord Snape's partner's handbag, £200 in cash, credit cards and even rail travel passes were also taken.

The peer said: "It is all stuff that is irreplaceable, much of it is engraved with my name so hopefully it will make it difficult for the villains to sell."

Former railwayman Lord Snape became a lord in 2004 after having served as Labour MP for West Bromwich East from 1974 to 2001.

He was a Government whip from 1979 to 1997 and in opposition was spokesman for defence, home affairs and transport.