UK Shocking Heist: Over 600 “high value” antiques were taken in a break-in at a museum in Bristol, southwest England, including some Indian artifacts from the British colonial period, police said Thursday.

In a plea for information, the Avon and Somerset Police published CCTV images of four white male suspects and claimed that the objects were taken from the British Empire and Commonwealth collection of the Bristol Museum on September 25.

People are urged by UK Police to recognize burglars.

From the late 19th century forward, the historical collection chronicles the connections between Britain and nations in the British Empire. In a statement, the police department stated, “Detectives looking into a high-value burglary of museum artifacts are asking the public for assistance in identifying these individuals.”

Items from the British Empire and Commonwealth collection of the Bristol Museum were kept in the building. The criminals took around 600 artifacts of all kinds, according to the police.

What was taken from the Bristol Museum?

An ivory Buddha and an East India Company officer’s waist belt buckle were among the things taken during the heist. “The city has suffered a great loss as a result of the theft of numerous items that have great cultural significance,” said Detective Constable Dan Burgan of the Avon and Somerset Police.

“We hope that the public will assist us in holding those responsible accountable. These items, many of which were donations, are part of a collection that offers insight into a multi-layered part of British history.”

“So far, we have conducted extensive CCTV investigations, forensic analyses, and conversations and correspondence with the victims,” he said.

The officer urged anybody who recognizes someone in the CCTV video that was made public this week or who may have seen any of the potential products being sold online to get in touch with the police. Why the police appeal was made more than two months after the break-in is still unknown.

Museum of Bristol

Household items, mementos, photos, and documents belonging to British individuals who lived and worked in the colonies comprise the Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, according to the museum’s website.

“We make these sources available to help people and communities worldwide to explore difficult, forgotten or hidden histories from their own perspectives.” Its purpose is to provide visitors with an understanding of the British Empire’s operations and the lives of those who made it operate.

According to the institution, “the former British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol held the majority of the collection.” The collection’s video section has over 2,000 pieces from 1920 to the 1970s, including “strong amateur footage” from African and Indian nations.