Thieves steal Redgrave's trophies

Sir Steve Redgrave has won five Olympic gold medals

Thieves have struck at the home of Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave - stealing his three BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

The burglary happened at Sir Steve's home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where the thieves broke in by throwing a brick through the rear door window.

They searched through a number of rooms and also stole some jewellery, as well as the awards.

His five Olympic medals were not kept at the house.

Sir Steve said: "Ann (his wife) and I were quite devastated to hear that many items, including several irreplaceable ones, had been taken when our house was burgled early on Saturday morning.

We would appeal to the intruders to please find some way of returning these items Sir Steve Redgrave

"My grandfather's retirement watch after 40 years on the buses is worth nothing to anyone but ourselves, as are my three BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, which no one could sell on. Fortunately, all my Olympic medals are not kept at home.

"We would appeal to the intruders to please find some way of returning these items, together with the charm bracelets of my wife and her mother, which are again of greater sentimental rather than monetary value."

Det Sgt Mark Stevens, of Thames Valley Police, said: "I would appeal to anyone that may have witnessed this incident or have any information that might help us in tracing these items, to please get in touch."

A spokesman for the BBC said: "BBC Sport was disappointed to learn that Sir Steve Redgrave's Sports Personality of the Year awards had been stolen from his home.

"We of course hope that the Redgraves will have their possessions returned. However, if the trophies are not recovered then the BBC will get replacements."