A public appeal has been launched to identify four men who are believed to have stolen more than 600 artefacts from Bristol City Council’s museum collection.
The artefacts are from the British Empire and Commonwealth collection, which is housed in Bristol Archives on Cumberland Road having previously been held by the former British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in the city. The museum service said security has been beefed up following the incident.
The paper, film, sound and photograph collections in the archive remain open for research enquiries.
But a statement on the archive’s website states: “Due to a reduction in staff capacity within the British Empire and Commonwealth Collection team we are not currently able to respond to British Empire and Commonwealth Collection museum object research enquiries including offers of donations. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Detectives say a group of four unknown males gained entry to the archive on Thursday 25 September between 0100-0200.
Philip Walker, the head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said: “We’re deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts, which make up the extensive British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.
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“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.
“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.
“We’re grateful for the support of Avon and Somerset Police and continue to work closely with officers to investigate this crime and seek to apprehend the offenders and recover these artefacts. Security at the facility has been tightened and members of our museum community have been informed.”
An American emancipation token from 1838, an India Company Officer's waist belt plate mount, and an ivory elephant ornament with ebony eyes were among the artefacts stolen in the robbery.
Detective constable Dan Burgan, the officer in charge of the case, 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.
“So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims.
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“If you recognise the men pictured or have seen any of the possible items being sold online, please call us on 101 and quote reference 5225269603.”
Detectives wish to speak to four offenders who are described as:
- 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.
The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum closed in 2008 and its collection has been held in storage in Bristol since then.
In 2012, a plan to move the collection to London was abandoned and the trust that ran the museum was liquidated following heavy financial losses and a police investigation into allegations of unauthorised disposal.
