A Northumbria Police Federation member has gone above and beyond to support a war veteran after his treasured service medals were stolen during a break-in at his home.
PC Alex Cowie, a neighbourhood officer in Sunderland with an armed services background, has applied to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) requesting replacement medals.
Alex described the burglary as ‘horrendous’.
The theft of the medals struck a personal chord with him, and he was determined to help the victim replace them.
Alex said: “It was a horrendous crime, but what really hit me was that his war medals had been taken.
Medals
“Knowing they’d stolen the medals of a man who’d served 25 years in the Army – that was a kick in the teeth.”
The veteran has completed tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland and parts of Africa. He has faced significant challenges since leaving the military and lives with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) linked to his service.
The thieves stole a bank card and withdrew a five-figure sum. But it was the loss of the medals, which are priceless to the victim but worthless to thieves, which he found devastating.
Alex said: “He wasn’t bothered about the money. He was heartbroken about the medals. They represent everything he’s been through, the people he served with, and the people he lost.”
Alex was not part of the initial response but spotted the burglary report while checking incident logs from his area on his return from rest days.
The war veteran had medals stolen from his home
Drawing on his background as a former Royal Navy serviceman, Alex contacted the victim, offering support and reassurance.
He also made a personal promise that the medals could be replaced.
Alex said: “I knew from experience you can reapply for them, so I told him straight away, ‘don’t worry about your medals. I’ll get them.’ After that, I felt I couldn’t let him down.”
Alex has gone through the process of applying for the replacement medals, and the MOD has since confirmed they will be issued.
“He’s over the moon,” said Alex. “We speak most weeks now. I’ve made a friend.”
Compassion
Nick Munnelly, chair of Northumbria Police Federation, praised Alex’s compassion and commitment.
He said: “This story perfectly reflects the values we hold in policing, especially here in Northumbria – service, integrity, and community.
“Alex’s actions show the very best of our profession. He went above and beyond to help others, driven not by duty alone but by genuine care and empathy.
“His support for a veteran in need also reminds us all of the close bond between the police and the armed forces, and the shared sense of service that unites us.”
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