A 41-year-old man has been arrested after a hooded gang stole 600 high-value artefacts from the Bristol Museum warehouse.
The man was detained on suspicion of handling stolen goods but was later released under investigation after the warehouse burglary on September 25.
Four hooded men entered the museum’s storehouse in the Cumberland Road area of Bristol between 1am and 2am that night, it is believed.
Burglars targeted Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection and took jewellery, carved ivory ornaments, medals, badges, pins, silver relics and bronze figurines that had belonged to Britons posted in the distant colonies.
‘The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city,’ Detective Constable Dan Burgan 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,’ he added.
Natural history pieces, including geological specimens, are also believed to have been stolen.
A police spokeswoman said: ‘We continue to appeal for the public’s help to identify the four men pictured and have released two short video clips of the people we wish to speak to.’
More than 600 artefacts were stolen from a building housing items from Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection. Cops have arrested one man in connection and released a CCTV image of four men they would like to speak to (pictured)
Bristol City Council released an image of an elephant ornament with inlaid ebony eyes which was stolen in the warehouse raid
An ivory Buddhist model on a stone base was among the historic items swiped from the collection
Photos of an elephant carved in ivory, an ivory statue of the Buddha, a ship lantern and an Emancipation token from 19th Century America were shared by Bristol City Council after they were stolen.
The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection at Bristol Archives is a ‘unique’ set of artefacts which document the links between Britain and countries in the British Empire from the late 19th century to recent times.
The items are stored at the B Bond Warehouse, which is run by Bristol Archives and Bristol Museums. They had been held at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in the city until 2012.
As well as the artefacts, there are thousands of reels of film and half a million photos with footage from British India and African colonies from the 1860s to the 1970s.
CCTV footage was released of four men whom police are working to identify in connection.
One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.
The second man was of slim build, wearing a grey hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.
The third male wore a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.
One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information after the precious items were swiped on September 25
An East India Company Officer’s waist belt plate mount is believed to be among the 600 items stolen from the museum’s collection
A ship’s lantern, pictured, also went missing following the burglary in September
The fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers.
Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said previously: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts which make up the extensive British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.
‘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.’
Simon Potter, professor of modern history at the University of Bristol, previously said: ‘It’s a very shocking event, this is a collection of national and international significance.
‘It includes irreplaceable historical material from all around the world.
An Emancipation token from 1830s America taken by the thieves
‘It was collected as a unique collection, 20 or 30 years ago, and it contains material from lots of different public institutions and private individuals.
‘It’s something quite unique, and it’s something that’s of huge value if you want to understand the history of the British Empire, British colonialism, the history of many African and Asian countries in the Pacific.’
Anyone with information is asked to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, giving the reference number 5225269603, or to complete an online appeals form.