A FORMER soldier is "absolutely devastated" after burglars stole his prized military medals.

Simon Beck, 41, of Foxwood, York, returned home on Tuesday to find six medals from 22 years active military service had been stolen, as well as a set of miniature medals.

A neighbour phoned police after spotting an open window at his house while he was away. Mr Beck, who only moved to York on February 27, received the medals after serving with the Royal Artillery in the Gulf War, Northern Ireland, Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia. The medals, worth about £350, appeared to have been the only things stolen.

He said: "I'm absolutely devastated. It's not the monetary value that's the issue.

"I've spent 22 years serving Queen and country in various parts of the world.

"I feel very depressed - I was so shocked they had been taken. It's not a nice feeling."

He said some of the medals can be replaced, but others, inscribed with his name and rank, cannot.

Mr Beck, who works as a facilities manager looking after Network Rail buildings in York, had hoped to pass on the medals to his two sons.

Tony Lidgate, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "The thief must have realised that these medals were of enormous personal value.

"It must have taken particular meanness of spirit to steal them."

Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area is asked to call the North Yorkshire Police witness line on 01904 669 884, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, March 11, 2004