UK police appeal for information after 600 items stolen from Bristol museum in 'high value' raid

More than 600 items with "significant cultural value" have been stolen from Bristol Museum in the UK in what police are calling a "high-value" raid.

Artefacts were stolen from the museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection in a raid in the Cumberland Road area of the city in the early hours of 25 September.

"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."

Avon and Somerset police have issued an appeal to the public for more information on the four suspects who were caught on CCTV.

"So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims," Burgan added.

Police want to speak to anyone who recognises any of the four men in the CCTV footage or who has seen any of the stolen items for sale online.

Louvre heist

The Bristol robbery came just three weeks before a daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris which saw a gang make off with crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million.

It took less than eight minutes for the thieves to force their way into the museum and leave, using a freight lift to reach one of the building’s windows, angle grinders to cut into jewellery display cases, and motorbikes to make their escape.

All four suspects in that raid have been arrested but the stolen jewels have yet to be recovered.

A Senate inquiry into security failings at the world’s most visited museum is ongoing in Paris.