More than 600 “high value" artefacts including several from India dating back to the British colonial era were stolen during a burglary at a Bristol museum, Avon and Somerset Police revealed. The break-in occurred in the early hours of September 25, between 1 am and 2 am, at the British Empire and Commonwealth collection.
Police have released grainy CCTV footage showing four white male suspects at the scene and have appealed to the public for help identifying them.
In a statement, officers said: “Detectives investigating a high-value burglary of museum artefacts are appealing for the public’s help to identify these people."
According to PTI, among the stolen items were an ivory Buddha and a waist belt buckle that once belonged to an East India Company officer. Many of the artefacts were donations and considered culturally important.
Detective Constable Dan Burgan said the loss was deeply felt by the city.
“The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city," Burgan said. “These items… form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we hope the public can help us bring those responsible to justice."
He added that the investigation so far has involved extensive CCTV reviews, forensic work, and close communication with the victims.
It remains unclear why police waited more than two months after the burglary to issue the public appeal for information.
Authorities are urging anyone who may recognise the suspects or have relevant information to come forward.
