Over 600 Culturally Significant Artefacts Stolen in Major Bristol Museum Raid
More than 600 artefacts described as “highly significant cultural items” have been stolen from Bristol Museum’s archive in what police are calling a “major” burglary.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, four men broke into a facility in the Cumberland Basin area during the early hours of 25 September. The stolen objects were part of the museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, and investigators are now working to identify four men seen on CCTV around the time of the raid.
Det Con Dan Burgan said the theft represents “a major loss for the city,” noting that the artefacts — many of them donated — are crucial in understanding a complex chapter of British history. He urged the public to help identify those responsible.
“So far, our investigation has involved extensive CCTV review, forensic work, and close communication with the victims,” he added.
Police are appealing to anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV footage or who may have come across the stolen items being offered for sale online.
All four suspects are believed to be white.
- The first is described as medium to stocky, wearing a white cap, a black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.
- The second is said to be slim and was wearing a grey hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.
- The third wore a green cap, black jacket, light shorts and white trainers, and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.
- The fourth suspect is described as large in build and was wearing a two-tone orange and navy or black puffy jacket, black trousers and black-and-white trainers.