| Date | 17 February 2006 |
|---|---|
| Source | Slough Observer |
| Reference | FOTM-0006 |
| Volume | Friends of the Windsor Museum |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Anger as unique Jubilee display items are stolen
By Inderdeep Bains
THIEVES have made off with a number of valuable items from the Royal Borough Museum Collection.
Three commemorative Diamond Jubilee medals and three commemorative police truncheons were taken from the Town and Crown Exhibition in Windsor High Street last week.
A spokeswoman for the borough said: “Police were informed about the theft of artefacts from the exhibition after staff discovered that a number of 19th-century items had been stolen when they checked the cabinet on Friday.”
It is unclear when the items were taken but it is suspected that they may have been stolen during the opening hours of the exhibition.
Birgitte Mitchell, the secretary of Friends of the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, said: “The items are quite valuable and irreplaceable; they are part of Windsor history. It is shocking that something like this can happen.”
The group, which was formerly known as the Friends of the Royal Borough Museum Collection, feel let down by how the theft has been responded to.
Mrs Mitchell added: “We are very annoyed, angry and upset about the actions of the police, council and the people who are supposed to be looking after these items.
“The case which was forced open was discovered on Friday, we don’t know how long it was open for before that.”
Windsor Town Centre Manager, Paul Roach, said: “The loss is a great shame, the exhibition is open to the public and while every step is taken to secure the items things such as these can still occur.”
A spokeswoman for the borough added: “This was a sad loss of important local historical items and the heritage development officer will do everything possible to help the police find those responsible and get the artifacts returned.”
A police spokeswoman said: “This incident happened sometime between 10am and 3.30pm on Thursday, February 9. Someone broke into a display case at the exhibition above the Tourist Information Centre and stole three 19th century police truncheons and some 1897 medals.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to call 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Town and Crown Exhibition will be open to the public during its normal opening times.
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