![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/skynews-bristol-museum-burglary_7107440.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA man has been arrested after more than 600 artefacts were stolen from a museum collection.<\/p>\n
Avon and Somerset Police said the 41-year-old was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and later released under investigation.<\/p>\n
Police are investigating the burglary at a building housing items from Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection on 25 September last year.<\/p>\n
The force believes four men gained entry to the property, in the Cumberland Road area of the city, between 1am and 2am.<\/p>\n
Police have described the artefacts taken as having a “significant cultural value”.<\/p>\n
They include medals, badges and pins, jewellery, decorative items such as carved ivory, silver items and bronze figurines.<\/p>\n
A police spokeswoman said: “We continue to appeal for the public’s help to identify the four men pictured and have released two short video clips of the people we wish to speak to.”<\/p>\n
Following the burglary, Bristol City Council released images of some of the items.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n A carved ivory elephant ornament with inlaid ebony eyes. Pic: Bristol City Council\/PA<\/p>\n
![\"East](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/skynews-bristol-museum-east-india_7107410.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n East India Company Officer’s waist belt plate mount.
\nPic: Bristol City Council\/PA <\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/skynews-bristol-british-empire_7107403.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n An Ivory Buddha.
\nPic: Bristol City Council\/PA<\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/skynews-emancipation-token_7107406.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n An emancipation token.
\nPic: Bristol City Council\/PA <\/p>\n
The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection documents the links between Britain and countries within the British Empire – dating all the way back to the 19th century.<\/p>\n
Detective Constable Dan Burgan added that the theft of the historic items was a “significant loss for the city”.<\/p>\n
He added: “These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.”<\/p>\n
Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said: “The collection is of cultural significance to many countries and provides an invaluable record and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire.”<\/p>\n
Security at the facility has since been tightened following the thefts.<\/p>\n
Police described the four men they are trying to identify as white.<\/p>\n