This is the second time the medals have been stolen after they were taken from a car in the 1980s and returned following media outcry.

The medals were hidden in a public place and the authorities were informed of its whereabouts. One of the medals was partially scratched, indicating that it was not solid gold and therefore its monetary value was negligible.

Det Insp Danielle Underwood, from Avon and Somerset, said officers were carrying out forensic and CCTV investigations and speaking to people living in the area.

“These items are understood to have great emotional significance to the victims and they are extremely anxious for them to be returned,” he said.

“Any burglary can have a devastating impact on victims, not only having a financial or emotional impact, but also leaving people feeling unsafe in their own homes.”

Meade was one of Britain’s most successful Olympic riders, the winner of three Olympic gold medals and the first British rider to win an individual Olympic title.

In addition to the two Olympic gold medals he won in Munich, he also won an Olympic gold medal in Mexico in 1968 and five World Championship medals.

Police are encouraging anyone who has seen any of these items, seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or has any information that may assist the investigation further.