Albion fan 'devastated' after 30-year collection of football pins stolen
A West Bromwich Albion supporter says he is devastated after thieves stole more than 300 football pin badges he had collected during three decades of following England around the world.
The 61-year-old had the collection, which included a badge from England's first game at the new Wembley Stadium, mounted on a large display board in his home in Queens Road in Smethwick.
But while on holiday in Majorca, thieves broke into his house and made off with the entire collection. The distraught owner, who does not want to be named in fear he will be targeted again, is appealing to the burglars for the safe return of the badges.
He said the metallic badges, often seen pinned on baseball caps, were mementos of trips watching England overseas including World Cups and European Championships, plus internationals in Greece, Albania and Spain.
They cost about £5 and are purchased from street sellers on the way to stadiums. Despite the sentimental value, police believe the display is of very little monetary value.
The victim said: "I was once a ticket holder at Wembley and I went to many away games including the World Cup in Germany eight years ago.
"Wherever I went I'd pick up the badges for just £5 on the way in, they weren't of much value but to me the overall collection had great sentimental value.
"I'm was gutted to see them have gone. They are badges I won't be able to replace. I won't be buying anything sentimental again after this, it's made me give it all up."
Police believe the burglary took place sometime between May 10 and 13. The victim returned from holiday on May 17.
Detective Lindsey Marsh, said: "This is a distinctive collection of badges that has been religiously put together over many years ? it's understandably heart-breaking for it to vanish overnight.
"If anyone has seen the collection or been offered any of the badges for sale I'd urge them to contact me.
"I'm also hoping the person who took them will realise the collection isn't worth a great deal, do the decent thing and make arrangements to hand them over."
The burglars got into the house by smashing a toilet window after jumping over a locked side gate to the rear garden.
A large quantity of jewellery were also taken.
They include set of man's nine-carat gold football rings, featuring the Three Lions emblem, and items belonging to the man's late mother,
Other distinctive jewellery taken were two South African krugerrand gold rings and a silver-plated watch featuring red lights across the face.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
