A MAN whose father’s service medals were stolen during a break-in had no idea they had been taken until a police officer knocked on his door to return them.

Since his father's death in 2003, Robin Bateman had kept his medals safely tucked away in his Darlington garage – or so he thought.

The beloved medals were swiped during a break-in earlier this year, but it wasn’t until a police officer knocked on his door to return the stolen goods that Mr Bateman knew the priceless items had been taken.

“There was nothing disturbed. I didn’t realise anything had gone until I was approached by the police officer who asked me to identify this property – it was my dad’s service medals,” he said.

“I was over the moon to get them back.”

After arresting a man on suspicion of dishonesty offences earlier this month, officers from Darlington CID carried out a search of the suspect’s home.

Hidden underneath his bed, surrounded by clutter, was a wooden box containing commemorative medals which officers traced back to a delighted Mr Bateman.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the police for their swift and sympathetic handling of the situation. The overall service from the police has been excellent,” he said.

PC John Forster, who worked on the case together with DC John Tyers said: “The mahogany box was found well hidden underneath a bed covered in discarded items.

“To the relief of the victim the box and contents were then recovered undamaged.”

Mr Bateman’s father, William, served with the Durham Light Infantry during the Second World War.

As well as serving in Africa and China, the signaller also took part in the historic D-Day landings, fighting on through France and Belgium and then into Holland.

He received a number of medals throughout his career recognising his services to the country.

A Darlington man is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court next week in connection with the incident.