THE elderly victim of an £80,000 stamp collection theft is offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of the offenders and safe return of the stamps.
The incident occurred at an address in Presteigne at the beginning of December 2009 - and to date, only small quantities of the 60-year collection have been recovered.

Kevin Brian Pugh, of Passey Court, Kington, was sentenced to two years in prison last month after admitting stealing £30,000 worth of the stamps, while Jade Roxanna Cambridge, of the same address, received a nine-month custodial sentence for stealing £900 worth of stamps, at the hearing at Merthyr Crown Court on Friday, February 26.

However, it is believed that further persons are involved who are in possession of these outstanding stamps.

PC Melanie Rossiter said: “It is believed that the remaining stamps are held locally – and I am appealing to people who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the stamps to contact Dyfed Powys Police.

“This stamp collection was a life-long hobby for the victim and compiled over more than 60 years. The collection was not only financially valuable but more importantly were of huge sentimental value to the victim.

“In addition, I would also like to reassure the people of Powys that these types of crimes are very rare.”

The stolen stamps include quantities of Penny Black stamps, worth over £100 each; Penny Red stamps, worth between £30 to £50 each; and Penny Blue Stamps, worth around £20 each.

If you have information leading to the conviction of the offenders and safe return of the stamps please contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101.