THEY are steeped in the record books of Southampton’s business community.

Adorned with the names of the countless business leaders who have been chosen to wear them, their historical value is incalculable.

Now police are hunting the thieves who broke in to the offices of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and stole two chains of office.

The long, gold-plated chains worn by the president and vice president and worth £3,000, were stolen after burglars forced open the back doors of the Bugle Street centre after getting in to the back garden of the premises.

The vice presidential chain was later found discarded outside.

Inside, despite having activated the alarm, the thieves smashed open a safe.

As well as the decorative chains, worn at significant engagements including its AGM since the Chamber’s inauguration 158 years ago, the burglars’ haul included medals belonging to past presidents.

Cash totalling a couple of hundred pounds was also stolen from money boxes during the raid which happened between 5pm and 8.45pm on Thursday.

Jimmy Chestnutt, director general of the Chamber, said: “The chains of office are old and are of important historical value, but not of material value.

“The items are frankly irreplaceable.

They are so easily identifiable that it would barely be worth taking them.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the crime or the whereabouts of the chains and medals to call 0845 045 4545.