A "high value" burglary at a UK museum has resulted in the theft of over 600 artifacts, including items of Indian origin dating back to the British colonial era. The incident, which occurred on September 25, 2025, targeted a building housing Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection. Avon and Somerset Police have released CCTV footage of four male suspects and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying them.
The stolen collection documents the historical connections between Britain and countries within the former British Empire, with items dating back to the late 19th century. The police have described the loss as significant, both culturally and historically, as many of the stolen pieces were donated items. The museum emphasizes that the archive helps people and communities worldwide explore difficult, forgotten, or hidden histories from their own perspectives.
Among the stolen items are an ivory Buddha, a waist belt buckle believed to have belonged to an East India Company officer, and other objects of major cultural significance. The Times of India reports that the stolen items include a waist belt plate mount inscribed with the East India Company's motto, a carved ivory elephant ornament, and an 1838 US emancipation token. Other items include military articles of historical interest, jewelry, silver items, bronze figurines, and geological specimens. The wider collection also includes around 2,000 items in its film archive, featuring material from 1920 to 1970, including amateur footage from India and several African countries.
Detective Constable Dan Burgan of the Avon and Somerset Police has stated that the theft is a significant loss for the city, as the items provide insight into a multi-layered part of British history. He has appealed to the public for help in bringing those responsible to justice and has confirmed that the investigation includes significant CCTV enquiries, forensic investigations, and liaison with the museum. The police are asking the public to contact them if they recognize anyone from the CCTV footage or have come across any of the stolen items being sold online.
The Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection was previously held by the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol. The collection includes a painting of the Delhi Durbar of 1903, over 250 letters from a British soldier posted on the North West Frontier, and photos taken by a Mumbai-born artist for Indian Railways in the 1930s.
