By Ella Heathcote, Arts Editor
Avon and Somerset police released CCTV images to the public today, December 11, of four individuals who they believe will ‘aid with their enquiries’ regarding the theft of hundreds of artefacts from Bristol Museum.
The items stolen belonged to Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, home to important pieces of Bristol’s colonial history, many previously housed in the city’s British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, which closed in 2013.
The collection consists largely of belongings, including photographs, film and documents belonging to British people who lived and worked in the colonies from the late nineteenth century until recent times. Jewellery, military memorabilia, natural history pieces, ivory and figurines in bronze and silver were among the stolen items.
According to the force, on September 25, four males entered the building in the Cumberland Road area between 1-2am.
DC Dan Burgan stated that the stolen artefacts ‘carry a significant cultural value’ and their burglary constitutes a ‘significant loss for the city.’
Burgan said ‘[W]e are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice’ adding, ‘So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims.’
Bristol City Council’s head of culture and creative industries Philip Walker said that the council was ‘deeply saddened’ by the theft.
Ella Heathcote
James Lewis
The CCTV images show four males matching the following description:
- Male one: white, of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers, and black trainers
- Male two: white, of slim build, wearing a grey-hooded jacket, black trousers, and black trainers
- Male three: white, wearing a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts, and white trainers. He appears to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.
- Male four: white, of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers.
Cara Hene
Those with information are asked to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225269603, or complete the police’s online appeals form.
Featured image: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery | Epigram / Ella Heathcote
