More than 600 artefacts from Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection have been stolen in a “high-value burglary”, police have said.
Detectives with Avon and Somerset police have said they want to speak to four men in connection with the incident and have released CCTV images of the group.
The items were taken from the museum’s offsite storage facility in Cumberland Road on 25 September between 1am and 2am.
DC Dan Burgan, the officer in the case, said: “The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city.
“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.”
The men being sought are described as:
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Male one: white, of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers;
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Male two: white, of slim build, wearing a grey-hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers;
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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;
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Male four: white, of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers and black and white trainers.
The group police want to speak to. Photograph: Avon and Somerset police/PA
The force has asked anyone who recognises the men or have seen any of the possible items being sold online to call 101.
In September, a haul of antique pocket watches dating from the late 18th century and an early 19th century blunderbuss were stolen from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter.
Two suspects are believed to have forced entry into the museum on Queen Street and stolen 17 watches and the gun, which is likely to have been used to defend mail coaches.
