More than 600 British Empire-era artefacts stolen from Bristol Museum

"Bristol City Council confirmed that the stolen collection spans medals, badges, pins, jewellery, carved ivory, silverware, bronze figures and geological samples. Philip Walker, the council's head of culture and creative industries, said the objects reflect more than two centuries of Britain's connections with countries incorporated into its empire. 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, Walker said."

"Detectives are appealing for help after hundreds of artefacts documenting British colonial history were stolen. Police in southwest England say more than 600 artefacts linked to the history of the British Empire and Commonwealth have been stolen from the Bristol Museum's collection. Avon and Somerset Police released images of four suspects on Thursday as part of an appeal for information."

"Detective Constable Dan Burgan, who is leading the investigation, said the theft is a significant loss for the city. These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multilayered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice, he said."

More than 600 artefacts connected to the British Empire and Commonwealth were stolen from a Bristol Museum storage facility during the early hours of September 25. Avon and Somerset Police released security images of four men and are appealing for information about their identities and movements. The stolen items include medals, badges, pins, jewellery, carved ivory, silverware, bronze figures and geological samples, many donated, spanning more than two centuries of Britain’s imperial connections. The collection has cultural significance to multiple countries and provides insight into lives affected by empire. Officers have not explained why the appeal came more than two months later.

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