Museum heist Security stepped up after hundreds of artefacts stolen

BRISTOL Museum bosses say they have tightened security after more than 600 items were stolen in a “high value” heist.

- Ian LEWIS [e-mail]

The raid took place on September 25 but had been kept quiet until a police appeal was launched yesterday.

Four men are believed to have gained entry to the B Bond Warehouse on Cumberland Road, which houses Bristol Museums’ British Empire and Commonwealth collection, between 1 and 2am.

Avon and Somerset Police described the burglary as “high value”, with items taken having a “significant cultural value”, and said officers were trying to trace four people captured in the area on CCTV.

Items stolen include medals, badges and pins, necklaces, bangles and rings, decorative items such as carved ivory, silver items and bronze figurines.

Natural history pieces, including geological specimens, are also believed to have been taken.

The value of the haul has not been disclosed.

Bristol City Council released images of an elephant carved in ivory, an ivory statue of the Buddha and a ship lantern.

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at the council, said: “We're deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts which make up the extensive British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.