Arya News - Police in Britain are looking for four men after more than 600 culturally significant artifacts were stolen from Bristol Museum`s archive in a major heist.
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Police in Britain are looking for four men after more than 600 culturally significant artifacts were stolen from Bristol Museum"s archive in a major heist.
The four burglars struck the Cumberland Basin archive in the early hours of Sept. 25, according to authorities. The crew stole a slew of items, including military memorabilia, jewelry, natural history artifacts and carved figurines in ivory, bronze and silver.
"The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city," Detective Dan Burgan told the BBC and The Guardian .
Detectives released CCTV images of four men spotted in the area after thieves stole parts of the museum"s British Empire and Commonwealth collection.
We want to speak to the people, pictured, after museum artefacts were stolen in Bristol.
The burglary happened in the Cumberland Road area between 1-2am on Thursday 25 September.
If you can help, call 101 ref 5225269603 or contact Crimestoppers. https://t.co/g1cWBLtfab — Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) December 11, 2025
Stolen artifacts included military badges and pins linked to the historic British East India Company.
Police, however, delayed the public release of information to conduct thorough initial inquiries and allow archive staff time to audit.
Specific stolen items included necklaces, bangles and rings along with carved figurines, decorative pieces, natural history artifacts and other geological specimens.
Many were donated and highlight a complex period of British history, stated a spokesperson for the Avon and Somerset police departments.
"These artifacts were part of a collection that documents the links between Britain and countries formerly part of the British Empire from the late 18th Century to the late 20th Century," said Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, which operates the museum.
Police are appealing to the public for information from anyone who may recognize the suspected thieves or have spotted suspected stolen goods being sold online.
"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," added Walker.
All suspects are believed to be white.
One was described as medium to stocky in build, wearing a white hat, black jacket, light-colored pants and black trainers. The other slim with a grey hooded jacket, black pants and trainers.
The third wore a green hat, black jacket, light-colored shorts and white trainers walking with a slight right leg limp. The fourth was large build dressed in a two-toned orange and navy or black puffy jacket, black pants.
It"s now the most recently-reported -- but not the most recent incident -- of a museum heist stealing priceless historic pieces after crown jewels at the Louvre in France, and Henri Matisse paintings at a Brazilian museum .