Man arrested after 600 artefacts stolen in Bristol museum robbery
A man has been arrested on suspicion of dealing in stolen goods after more than 600 works were stolen from a museum collection.
The 41-year-old was detained and released under investigation following an investigation into a burglary at a building housing items from Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection on September 25.
Four men are believed to have entered the property in the Cumberland Road area of Bristol between 1am and 2am on that date.
Avon and Somerset Police said the stolen artefacts, including medals, badges, pins, jewellery, decoratively carved ivory, silverware and bronze figurines, were of “significant cultural value”.
Natural history artifacts, including geological samples, are also believed to have been stolen during the burglary.
A police spokesman said: “We continue to appeal for the public’s help in identifying the four men in the photograph and have released two short video clips of those we would like to speak to.”
Following the theft, Bristol City Council released images of a carved ivory elephant, an ivory Buddha statue, a ship’s lantern and a Liberation token.
The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection at Bristol Archives documents links between Britain and countries in the British Empire from the late 19th century until recent times.
It is stated that the four people whom the police are trying to identify are white.
One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white hat, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black sneakers.
The second man was of slim build, wearing a gray hooded jacket, black pants and black sneakers.
The third male was wearing a green hat, black jacket, light-colored shorts and white sneakers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.
The fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-tone orange and navy blue/black puffer jacket, black pants, and black and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quote reference number 5225269603 or complete the online appeal form.
