WAR medals, ancient artefacts, precious gems and timepieces form just part of a haul of booty taken by burglars, which police want to reunite with rightful owners.

Pictures of the glittering haul have been released on Facebook and YouTube today (Monday) by Hertfordshire police as part of their ‘Operation Pop’ initiative.

They want owners to come forward with crime numbers to reclaim their belongings.

In May officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary stopped a vehicle on the M40 between Oxford and London.

A “large amount” of gold Asian jewellery was seized from the vehicle, and it is alleged that the jewellery was on its way to Hatton Garden when it was to be broken up, melted and the gold sold.

A man was arrested and warrants were carried out at addresses London and Chipping Norton.

Officers say the swag, which totals more than 5,000 items, could be from burglaries anywhere in the country.

Detective chief inspector Liz Hanlon said: “A phenomenal amount of property has been seized.

“I am sure the majority of it will have sentimental value and some people may have believed they would never see their personal belongings again.

“It is our aim to reunite people with them. We have been advised that a lot of the Asian jewellery would have been made specifically for brides to wear on their wedding days.”