Damned Theives

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr .............

March 12, 2007

Thieves steal vet's medals

By JON WILLING, SUN MEDIA

Ken Larcombe, a retired RAF flight lieutenant, is “disturbed” after a pair of scruffy men snuck into his south-end retirement home and stole a briefcase full of memories — including his flight log and three WWII service medals. (A.D. Wilson, Sun Media)
OTTAWA - Ken Larcombe waited more than six decades to receive his war medals, only to have thieves sneak into his retirement residence this weekend and take them away.

"I was planning to have them fixed up so I could wear them on my blazer," Larcombe said last night, about 24 hours after his medals and other priceless items went missing from his room at a south-end retirement home.

"I've been here five years and I never lock my door," he said. "I do now."

Larcombe, 82, said the thieves snuck around the rooms Saturday as residents enjoyed their supper at the facility, which is in the South Keys area.

Ottawa police learned cash, jewelry and credit cards went missing in that time. Two other residents also reported thefts from their rooms.

MEMORABILIA, WILL

A black briefcase full of a life's work went missing from Larcombe's room. But that wasn't all. Inside were three World War II service medals Larcombe received about a month ago.

A wartime flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, Larcombe only recently applied to have his medals shipped to him. He was looking forward to showing them off next Remembrance Day.

"It looks as though I'm unfortunate," the veteran said.

The briefcase was full of other priceless items: Larcombe's flying log from the war, his squadron crest, a tin box with buttons and badges from his uniform, coins, his will and research on his family tree.

The retired Ottawa elementary school teacher said he felt a wave of pride when he finally received his medals. Two recognize service in the allied forces' victory and service in the European theatre operations.

"None of them I can replace," he said.

After receiving flight training in Canada in 1942, Larcombe returned to England to fight in the war. In one operation, his plane was shot down; all but one of the seven passengers escaped with their lives.

RESIDENTS 'DISTURBED'

Larcombe hopes the thieves will realize they have stolen a set of irreplaceable memories.

"Hopefully, they will throw it (the briefcase) away and someone will find it and report it to the police."

Everyone at the retirement residence is "disturbed" that thieves would target the elderly, Larcombe said.

For the residents' safety, police aren't naming which retirement home was hit.

According to police, the suspects are two "scruffy" males wearing workman's clothing. One is about 5-foot-10, 180 lbs. with brown hair and a brown moustache. The other is about 5-foot-7, 170 lbs. with brown hair.

Anyone with information can call east division detectives at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566, or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477).