Over 600 Artifacts Stolen from Museum in the UK

Darwin, 12 December: More than 600 artifacts have been stolen from a museum in the southwestern UK city of Bristol, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The stolen items include pieces linked to the British Royal Family, the British Empire, and several Commonwealth nations, according to local police.

British media outlets reported the theft citing Bristol Police, who described the missing artifacts as being of “significant cultural value.” Police also released images of four suspects believed to be involved in the incident.

Although the theft occurred on 25 September, the matter was made public only after two and a half months. Neither the police nor the museum authorities have explained the delay in disclosure.

Philip Walker, head of Culture and Creative Industries at Bristol City Council, said the stolen collection includes medals, badges and pins, necklaces, bangles, rings, engraved ivory pieces, silver and bronze statues, decorative items, and various geological samples.

Speaking to AFP, Walker said, “These stolen objects represent Britain and many other countries across the world. They hold invaluable records related to the 200-year British Empire—those who built it and those who suffered under it.”

Dan Burgan, the lead investigator and senior constable at Bristol Police, told AFP the theft was a “deep loss for the city.”
He said many of the stolen objects had been donated by elites from various countries during the era of the British Empire. “Several of these artifacts symbolize different periods of our history,” he added.

Burgan confirmed that investigators have identified four suspects, whose images have now been made public. “We hope the community will cooperate fully so that the suspects can be apprehended,” he said.

Source: AFP