Search on to find thieves who cut through floors in “audacious and planned burglary”

A thorough investigation is underway to catch thieves who sawed through flooring to steal “priceless” silver historic antiques.

Realising a large haul of historic antiques had been stolen during the early hours of Sunday morning (29 October), museum workers at the Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum at Thoresby Park, alerted the police.

Taking a closer look inside the building it was discovered after moving the cabinets that the thieves had drilled upwards through the ceiling and burrowed through several layers of wood to gain access to the silver cabinet.

Detectives believe the theft occurred between 2.40am and 3.30am.

Items stolen include a distinctive parcel and gilt rosewater dish – said to be the sister piece to the Wimbledon women’s singles trophy.

Other items include the Hurlingham Grand Military Polo trophy, statuettes of mounted soldiers and a cavalry trumpet.

Steve Cox, curator for the Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum, explained how the museum are refusing to let the thieves beat them.

He added:

“It’s disgusting that they’ve taken history from the people who have served and fought for this country.

“The items they have taken are priceless to the museum.

“How do you put a value on history?

“We’re upset about it, but we’re fighting back and we’re going to rebuild from what’s gone.”

Detective Inspector Luke Todd, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“This was an audacious, planned, and targeted attack on what is a wonderful historic building and was clearly very well organised.

“The items that were stolen are not only high in monetary value but also high in sentimental value not only to the military, but also to the wider community in the area.

“These items are worth so much more to the museum than they are melted down in their silver form.

“So, I really want to ask anyone who may have any information, may have seen anything suspicious or has heard about someone trying to sell items like this to get in touch with us.

“You may think the information you have is irrelevant but could be exactly what we need to find those responsible.

“These criminals may think they’ve got away with a lot of silver at this moment in time, but they definitely haven’t got away with the crime.”

The museum also contains a range of firearms and other weapons which have all been accounted for.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 273 of Sunday 29 October 2023. Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.