Medals of former Changi POW stolen from Melbourne home over Christmas

The son of a former prisoner of war has made a heartfelt plea after his father's war medals were stolen from his Melbourne home over Chirstmas.

Alan's father was one of thousands of Allied soldiers detained at Changi Prison during World War II, immured in the camp for three years.

His collection of war medals and army dog-tags was all Alan had left as a reminder of his father's gallant military service.

"They're just very strong memories of what my father did during the Second World War and the trauma he experiences when he was a prisoner of war," Alan told 9NEWS.

But over Christmas, Alan's Glenroy home was robbed and the medals stolen.

The thieves broke into the vacant home some time between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Detectives labelled it a heartless crime, and are asking for the medals to be dropped off at a police station, no questions asked.

"There's no financial value in those items," an officer said.

Alan said he only wanted the medals back to pass them on to his children.

"I'd like (the thieves) to think about what would happen if they were to walk back into their place, and memories of theirs were taken," he said.

"I'd like to think they'd have some compassion and empathy to return them."

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.