A number of important and valuable exhibitions have been stolen in a museum heist in South Shields.
Sometime between 10am on Monday, August 26, and 12pm on Tuesday, August 27, unknown offenders had forced entry into a Perspex display cabinet at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery and taken four gold items.
Police were called to the scene shortly after Tuesday, August 27, police received a report of theft at the premises.
The items taken include:
A cap badge from the British Electric Traction Company, Jarrow Tramways. It is a gilded colour with the appearance of a horseshoe and a wheel combined in the centre of the badge.
An investigation has been launched in a bid to recover the items and identify those involved – with police appealing to the public for anyone with information to come forward.
Officers are especially keen to anyone who visited the museum on Monday, August 26, or Tuesday, August 27, and might have noticed any suspicious activity.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager, said: “These artefacts have great significance for the local history of South Tyneside. They are irreplaceable because of their provenance and local significance.
“The theft of these items will deny the public visiting the museum a chance to enjoy them both now and, in the future. We would urge anyone with information to get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information, including if they have knowledge of the items appearing in pawn shops and online, should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, or using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.
Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote crime reference number: 101485F/24.