Valuable and historic antiques stolen as thieves raid Gloucestershire Castle
By James Young | 16th September 2019
Historic and valuable antiques were stolen in a daring darkness raid on Sudeley Castle, police have revealed.
Gloucestershire Constabulary have revealed details of a burglary committed at the Winchcombe stately home earlier this month.
In the early hours of Sunday, September 8, offenders forced their way into the exhibition area of the castle, smashed a display case and stole valuable jewellery and artefacts.
In a statement released today, Police have revealed that the offenders arrived and departed in a 4x4 vehicle with a number of items - including a chair.
The statement said: "The detectives are examining CCTV footage which shows four offenders approach the property with a chair, sledgehammer and large garden or builder's bag.
"They made off in a 4x4 vehicle which was parked nearby."
The stolen property includes:
- A presentation gold box, Swiss late 18th Century, with a miniature of Edward VII set in diamonds;
- A presentation gold and enamel box with the Prince of Wales feathers set in diamonds;
- A Cartier watch monogrammed AK (Alice Keppel) 1910; a Faberge gold cigarette case set with diamonds;
- A Faberge silver caviar box and silver mounted vodka glasses, c1910;
- A gold snuffbox, Paris 1783;
- A silver cigarette case by Marshak, Kiev 1908;
- and a book of extracts from Sydney Smith, given to Alice Keppel by King Edward VII.
Detective Superintendent Steve Bean said: "This burglary happened under cover of darkness, but it is still possible that someone may have witnessed suspicious behaviour at or near the property in the hours leading up to it or afterwards, and may be able to help us identify the offenders.
"Clearly the stolen items are very distinctive and have a great deal of historical, as well as financial, value.
"They should be easy to identify and if anyone is aware of them being offered for sale I would urge them to report it to police as soon as possible".
Sudeley Castle's owner Lady Ashcombe said: "We are all saddened to learn of this burglary. There were beautiful artefacts on display for everyone to enjoy and were very precious to me personally".
Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 110 of 8 September.
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