[MSN] Items stolen in Britain's 'biggest burglary' are recovered, but some of the priceless treasures are damaged

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Nearly half of stolen antiques found 
Wed, March 29 2006 


By Sarah Bosley, Online reporter 
Email: sarah.bosley at newburynews.co.uk
Phone: 01635 564631
  
 
Items stolen in Britain's 'biggest burglary' are recovered, but some of the
priceless treasures are damaged 
  
ANTIQUES found in Warwickshire have now been identified as part of the
£30million haul stolen from a Wiltshire mansion last month.
Police believe they have recovered around 40% of the items stolen from
Ramsbury Manor, but have said some of the priceless treasures have been
damaged.
The ram-raid, dubbed ‘Britain’s biggest burglary’, took place at the home of
reclusive property tycoon Harry Hyams on February 1, after a gang by-passed
his sophisticated security systems.
The antiques were discovered on Saturday afternoon on waste ground
(pictured) near a garden centre in the Black Hill area of
Stratford-upon-Avon.
The items have been taken away for forensic examination.
Mr Hyams, who has spent 50 years collecting his impressive array of rare,
museum quality pieces, said: “I am most impressed with how promptly
Wiltshire Police have managed to recover a significant number of the stolen
items and I am particularly grateful for the assistance of their colleagues
in Stratford.
“I am confident that the police will continue their thorough investigations,
which will lead to the successful recovery of more items, ultimately
resulting in the successful prosecution of those responsible for the
burglary and associated offences.
“The courtesy, good nature and understanding shown by the police at all
times has been exemplary.”
Detective Inspector Simon Watson, who is leading the investigation, added:
“This find of antiques represents a significant recovery of a large amount
of the items stolen from Ramsbury Manor and I would like to thank Stratford
Police for their assistance.
“I would estimate that we have 140 of the stolen items in our possession,
which represents approximately 40% of the total haul. Sadly, about 30 of the
items have been damaged.
“I am obviously very pleased with this significant development, but must
remind the public that this is an ongoing investigation and there is a lot
of property still outstanding, including paintings, silver, clocks,
barometers, porcelain and other items.
“I am determined to apprehend all those involved in this burglary and the
subsequent handling of the antiques, and bring them to justice.”
DI Watson said he was unable to expand on how the antiques were discovered
due to the ongoing investigation.
Police have now recovered a pair of Bow White Busts of Mongolians, a Regency
white biscuit, ormolu and white marble mantle clock by Benjamin Vulliamy,
circa 1805, and an exceptionally rare and important large Vincennes white
chinoiserie group, circa 1745.
The burglars had struck at 10.42pm while Mr Hyams, aged 72, and his wife Kay
were abroad.
The thieves were able to take their pick from the tycoon’s extensive
collection.
The alarm was raised by one of the chauffeurs at the 17th Century mansion
after he disturbed a masked raider on a first-floor landing. He was
unharmed.
Mr Hyams made his estimated £320 million fortune from property and is famed
for building the 325-storey Centre Point in Central London in the 1960s and
currently stands at 155th in the Sunday Times Rich List.
He bought Ramsbury Manor – built by the Attorney General to Charles II - in
1964 for a reported £650,000, it is now estimated at £50m.
DI Watson added that anyone with information about the burglary could
contact him on 0845 408 7000 or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800
555111.
 

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