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BRISTOL (England), Dec 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — More than 600 artefacts of significant cultural value have been stolen from Bristol Museum’s archive in a high-value raid, police have said.
Military memorabilia, jewellery, natural history pieces, and carved ivory, bronze, and silver figurines were stolen from the archive in the Cumberland Basin area of the city in the early hours of Sept 25.
Detectives have released images of four men captured on CCTV in the area after part of the museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection were stolen.
“The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city,” Det Con Dan Burgan said.
Stolen items include military badges and pins from the East India Company.
Burgan, of Avon and Somerset Police, added: “These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.”
The jewellery taken includes necklaces, bangles, and rings.
Carved figurines and other decorative items are missing, as well as items of natural history, including geological specimens.
Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, which operates the museum, said he was “deeply saddened” by the thefts.
“These artefacts were part of a collection that documents the links between Britain and countries formerly part of the British Empire from the late 18th Century to the late 20th Century,” he said.
“The collection is of cultural significance to many countries and provides an invaluable record and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire.”
Police are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the men captured on CCTV, or who may have seen possible stolen items being sold online. All of the men are thought to be white.
A city council spokesman said police decided to delay a public appeal about the thefts until it had undertaken thorough initial inquiries.
They added that it had also taken time for archive staff to audit thousands of items held within the stores to establish what was missing. — NNN-AGENCIES