DETECTIVES are investigating the theft of a medal awarded by the Pope after a break in in Upper Gornal.

A burglar sneaked into the Clarence Street home and stole the Benemerenti medal on Friday April 17.

The medal is an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy for service to the Catholic Church.

Police have circulated images of the medal to local secondhand shops to alert staff should the medal be brought in for sale.

A watch was also stolen in the burglary.

Anyone who is offered these items for sale should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.