Service medals stolen in safe theft

By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

A DECEASED ex-World War II servicemen’s medals have been stolen from his son’s Keysborough home.
Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said the medals were stored in a safe, which was taken during a burglary of the Fabian Court house between 7.30am and 10am on 11 July.
The medals, though not financially valuable, held “significant sentimental value” for the son, Detective Kirton said.
The medals are a 1939-45 Star, a Pacific Star, a 1939-45 War Medal and an Australian Service Medal, all inscribed with the name ‘Richard H. A. Mepstead’.
Richard Mepstead, who died 14 years ago, had actively served in the Royal Australian Air Force in the Pacific theatre during the war, Detective Kirton said.
“The son is very upset and keen to be reunited with the medals,” Detective Kirton said. “They’re service medals, only valuable to the family due to the sentimental worth.
“More than likely, (the offenders) didn’t know what was in the safe (at the time).”