Thieves broke into a former Royal Protection officer’s house and stole cufflinks he was given by the Queen.

The burglary took place at a house in Oakwood Avenue between 1pm on Friday, June 19 and 10.30am on Saturday, June 20.

The thieves broke in through a rear patio door and stole the cufflinks which have huge sentimental value, as they were presented to the owner by the Queen for his 37 years- service in Royal Protection.

The cufflinks were in a blue presentation box and are oval shaped with blue enamel and ‘E II R’ on the front.

Detective Constable Kirsty Teixeira, from the Borehamwood Local Crime Unit, said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact me with information.

“The cufflinks are distinctive and I hope that by releasing the picture of the cufflinks, it might jog people’s memories if they have been approached by anyone looking to sell them.

“I’m particularly keen to trace the cufflinks as they are irreplaceable and I would really like to reunite the retired police officer with them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org