“Audacious” and planned burglary sees historic silver antiques stolen from military museum

Thieves cut through the floor of a military museum to steal “priceless” silver antiques in Nottinghamshire.

Staff at the Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum noticed several items were missing when they arrived at work on Sunday, October 29.

A search of the building revealed that the thieves had drilled up through the ceiling and burrowed through several layers of wood to access the silver cabinet.

Thieves cut through the floor to gain access to a cabinet filled with silver antiques. (Photo: Nottinghamshire Police) | Nottinghamshire Police

placeholder image — Thieves cut through the floor to gain access to a cabinet filled with silver antiques. (Photo: Nottinghamshire Police) | Nottinghamshire Police

Det Insp Luke Todd, of Nottinghamshire Police, said the burglary was an “audacious, planned, and targeted attack”.

Among the stolen items from the museum, at Thoresby Park near Ollerton, are a distinctive parcel and gilt rosewater dish – said to be the sister piece to the Wimbledon women’s singles trophy.

The Hurlingham Grand Military Polo trophy, statuettes of mounted soldiers and a cavalry trumpet were also stolen during the raid.

A gilt dish, said to be the sister piece to the Wimbledon women’s singles trophy, was stolen in the raid. (Photo: Nottinghamshire Police) | A gilt dish, said to be the sister piece to the Wimbledon women’s singles trophy, was stolen in the raid. (Photo: Nottinghamshire Police)

Nottinghamshire Police said they believe the theft happened between 2.40am and 3.30am.

Steve Cox, the museum’s curator, 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.”

Officers fear the stolen silver may be melted down for its monetary value. (Photo: Nottinghamshire Police) | Nottinghamshire Police

The museum, which also contains a range of firearms and other weapons, has accounted for all other items as part of its collection.

DI Todd added: “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.”

Anyone with information about the theft or hears about an attempted sale is urged to contact police.