Shocking moment hole in museum floor is revealed after thieves steal antiques – as curator vows to fight back
THIS is the shocking moment a hole is revealed in the floor of a museum which was cut by thieves to steal antiques.
“Priceless” historical silver antiques were grabbed in a “planned and targeted attack” on the Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum on October 29.
Steve Cox, the curator of the museum in Thoresby Park in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has vowed to “fight back” and rebuild.
Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police said the thieves “may think they have got away with a valuable haul” but added that the items stolen were “highly distinctive” and would be “very difficult to sell on”.
Among the valuable items taken was a parcel and gilt rosewater dish, thought to be the sister piece to the famous Wimbledon women’s singles trophy.
The hole dug by the robbers was only discovered when the case containing the antiques was moved, revealing that the gang had drilled up through an archway in the building and ploughed through several layers of wood to get access to the silver cabinet.
The haul stolen also included the Hurlingham Grand Military Polo trophy, statuettes of mounted soldiers and a cavalry trumpet.
Mr Cox said: “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.”
Detectives released footage showing how the thieves had gotten into the museum and sawn a hole in the floor.
They believe the robbery took place between 2.40am and 3.30am.
Detective Inspector Luke Todd said: “In the early hours of Sunday October 29 a burglary occurred at the location where somebody has cut a hole in the archway and stolen some of the silver items from the museum that were in a cabinet under the archway.
“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.
“The items stolen are very distinctive and are going to be very difficult to sell on.
“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 [it] 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 is also home to a range of firearms and other weapons which have all been accounted for.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 273 of Sunday 29 October 2023.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.
The Sun Online has contacted the police and the museum for an update.