Soldier appeals for return of stolen medals

A soldier has appealed for help after his military medals were stolen as he washed his car at a petrol station.

Tristan Manalo said a car pulled up alongside his 4x4 at the forecourt in Darnall, Sheffield, and the medals disappeared when his bag inside the vehicle was taken.

The Afghanistan veteran said the insignia, which he was preparing to have mounted, have sentimental value and has asked for their return.

Mr Manalo, who has viewed CCTV from the filling station on Greenland Road, said: "As I was washing the passenger side of my car someone opened the driver's side door, but then went away. I thought I had perhaps left it open, but that's not like me."

He added: "I continued to wash the car and then saw the driver's door wide open, and I realised what had happened. I checked inside and saw that my phone, my wallet and some cash were still there. So I thought they'd been looking to see if the keys were still in the car. I shut the door and carried on what I was doing."

Footage from the incident on the evening of 19 January showed that a vehicle had pulled alongside his and that someone got out of the back and opened his car door.

It was only when the lance corporal in the Yorkshire Regiment returned to his Army base in Harrogate that he realised the bag was missing.

South Yorkshire Police are investigating the theft of the campaign medals, one of which was awarded for service in Afghanistan in 2017.

A force spokesperson said: "On Sunday (19 January) at 8.40pm it is reported that an unknown individual stole a bag from a black Volkswagen car at the Shell service station on Greenland Road, Sheffield.

"It is believed that the bag contained several medals including the Afghanistan operational medal, Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal, and King's Coronation medal.

"Officers are investigating the alleged theft and if you believe you have any information that could help with enquiries, please get in touch."

Mr Manalo said he could apply for replacements, but they would not be classed as original.

He added: "I would be thrilled to get the box containing the medals back. Just please don't bin it."

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