On the 11th, UK police reported that a major theft occurred at the Bristol Museum in the early hours of September 25, with more than 600 artifacts of "significant historical and cultural value" stolen.
According to a report by China News Service and police disclosure, the stolen artifacts include military memorabilia, jewelry, natural history specimens, and crafts such as ivory, bronze, and silver statues. Key items include an ivory-carved Buddha statue and an East India Company uniform belt buckle, the latter adorned with a laurel wreath design and inscribed with English lettering.
Police stated that most of these artifacts were donated and serve as important carriers for interpreting British history. Their loss is a huge blow to the city of Bristol. Investigators have conducted extensive surveillance reviews and released footage and descriptions of four suspects.
Philip Walker, head of culture for Bristol City Council, expressed his distress at the incident, noting that the stolen artifacts hold important cultural significance for multiple countries.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said that due to the need to complete a preliminary investigation and inventory of the collection, police delayed making the case public until December. Authorities are calling on the public to provide tips to help track down the suspects and recover the stolen artifacts.