The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Ramm) in Exeter was temporarily closed to the public this week after two suspects forced entry to the premise and stolen items from the collection overnight.
Police say they were called to the museum at around 5am on Wednesday 10 September.
“At this time, we believe that two suspects have forced entry to the premises, where a number of items have then been taken,” Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement.
About 17 antique pocket watches were stolen along with a flint lock blunderbuss attached to a bayonet.
It is believed that two individuals may be able to help with enquiries. Both were dressed all in black and riding bicycles, and may speak with Liverpudlian accents.
Ramm posted on social media that due to “unforeseen circumstances” it would be closed on Wednesday. It has now reopened, but some gallery access may be limited.
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Councillor Philip Bialyk, leader of Exeter City Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by this theft and are working with the police to investigate.
“We take our role as custodians of Ramm’s collection very seriously. The gallery has been secured and a thorough review of security is underway. Our hope is that the items, which are of great importance to the people of Exeter and Devon, can be recovered.”
“Our enquiries are ongoing, but I would encourage anyone with information that they think may be relevant, or if you have seen or heard of the whereabouts of the items taken, please get in touch,” said detective inspector Paula Trevett.
“We are investigating a number of lines of enquiry at this time and the community will see officers carrying out enquiries in the area throughout the day.”
Ramm’s 2024/25 annual report, published earlier this month, shows it welcomed 190,500 visitors across the year.
