[MSN] Museum theft. London. Valuable Ceramics Stolen During Museum Raid; raiders left a trail of destruction as they looted thousands of pounds worth of exhibits from the De Morgan Centre in Wandsworth, south west London.

[Museum Security Network Mailing list]

Valuable Ceramics Stolen During Museum Raid
Friday, 3rd August 2007, 01:25

Sneak thieves used a ladder to break into a museum through a toilet window
before escaping with rare valuable Victorian ceramics.

The raiders left a trail of destruction as they looted thousands of pounds
worth of exhibits from the De Morgan Centre in Wandsworth, south west
London.

The burglary at the museum in the West Hill library, which houses nineteenth
century arts and crafts ceramics, happened in the early hours of Sunday.

A glass cabinet containing valuable pieces was smashed and several items by
the Victorian ceramicist William De Morgan, a friend of William Morris and
founder member of the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th Century, were
stolen. Other exhibits were also smashed during the raid.

When police arrived they found a ladder outside the building leading up to a
first floor toilet window and found that the wire mesh on the window had
been cut and the loo door forced to gain access to the main floor.

Police are keen to trace a man who was seen loitering outside the building.

A cherub vase, a dragon and snake plate, a fish and wave plate, a fish
charger, a galleon charger and a peacock plate are missing.

Police said they did not know yet know how much the items were worth but
described the missing haul as "significant".

Detective Sergeant Neil Philpott, of Wandsworth Police's Burglary Squad,
said: "A man was seen loitering outside the building and we are appealing
for any information that can help us trace him or the people responsible for
this. 

"The ceramics belong in a museum for the public to see, so we need your help
to return them to their rightful place."

He added: "There have been no arrests and inquiries continue.

"We are very keen to catch the person or persons responsible for this theft.
These are significant items and unique pieces of art."

Anyone with any information should call the burglary squad on
020 8247 8748        or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on
0800 555111       

http://www.lse.co.uk/