Hundreds of items taken in ‘high value’ Bristol Museum archive raid

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 25 September.

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.

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, which operates the museum, said the theft was “devastating”.

Mr Walker said the theft was discovered by staff the following day.

“It was pretty devastating, it looked like it had been ransacked,” he said.

“There were boxes that had been opened and spilled. The contents – if they hadn’t been taken – spilled on the floor, the shelves in disarray and the collections scattered around.

“So it was a pretty devastating scene to discover.”

The items were from the collection of the former British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, which was donated to the Bristol Museum after its liquidation in 2013.

Stolen items include military badges and pins from the East India Company.

The city council said the archives were broken into twice, with 95% of the stolen items being taken in the second raid.

The council added the CCTV images were from the second incident.

“The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city,” Det Con Dan Burgan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said.

“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,” he added.

He said so far police have carried out “significant” CCTV inquiries, forensic investigations and have been liaising with the victims.

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.

While the artefacts were not on display in the Bristol Museum, Mr Walker said they helped form an important link between the city and its history.

“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,” said Mr Walker.

“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. The first was described as of medium to stocky build and was wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.

The second was described as being of slim build and was wearing a grey, hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.

The third man was wearing a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers. Police said he appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.

The fourth was described as being of large build and was wearing a two-toned orange and navy or black puffy jacket, black trousers and black and white trainers.

A city council spokesman said police decided to delay a public appeal about the thefts until it had undertaken thorough initial inquiries.

He added it had also taken time for archive staff to audit thousands of items held within the stores to establish what was missing.