The heartbroken family of an Irish army veteran have made an emotional plea for the return of his precious medals after they were stolen by heartless thieves.
George Hunt, 81, had just left his home on Windmill Road in Crumlin yesterday morning when the crooks struck.
The cruel robbers took ransacked the house and stole a sum of money as well as the medals George was awarded during more than 30 years of military service, Dublin Live reports.
The pensioner's daughter, Janet, said the family don't care about the money but are desperate to get the medals back.
She said: "They [the thieves] stole a few bits and ransacked our family home but the medals are the important things.
"My father's name and number is on the back of medals."
Janet said her dad is "heartbroken" at the theft of the medals.
Some of the medals were awarded to the brave soldier for serving in the Congo, Lebanon and Cyprus during a distinguished career where he eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant Major.
Janet said: "He saw so much back then and lost a lot of friends."
Former colleagues and friends expressed disgusted at the shocking theft.
One former colleague wrote on Janet's Facebook page: "Sorry to hear this Janet. I served with your Da in the regiment, a good man.
"Hope your Ma and Da are OK. I know it's a shock to them."
Another pal added: "That's disgraceful. That man obviously earned these medals for the right reasons and it would have taken him long enough to earn them.
"To be just taken away with the blink of an eye.
"God, I really hope he gets back what is rightfully his."
Junior Defence Minister Paul Kehoe calls for new laws to stop protests outside people's homes
Gardai confirmed they are investigating the incident.
A garda spokesman said: "Gardai are investigating a burglary that occurred at a house in the Windmill Road area of Crumlin on 12/4/19 at approximately 11am.
"A number of item were taken as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.
"No injuries were sustained and no damage to the property was caused in this incident. Investigations are ongoing."
