Dramatic footage of thieves using van to steal Lord Mayor's chain

4 March 2020, 11:36

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Detectives investigating the theft of Bristol's Lord Mayor's chains has released dramatic footage of the moment thieves ripped a safe from a wall using a van.

Police have appealed for information after two safes were stolen from a unit in Smeaton Road, Bristol.

Dramatic CCTV footage shows a gang using a van to drag a safe free from the building before making off down the road.

Officers said the safes contained the Lord Mayor’s Chains.

The theft took place between 2.30-4am on Monday 24 February.

Police have launched an appeal after Lord Mayor’s Chains stolen
Police have launched an appeal after Lord Mayor’s Chains stolen. Picture: PA

One of the safes was recovered the next day in Winford.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said CCTV investigations had been carried out since the theft and footage has been found showing a white Transit van that officers want to locate.

Inspector Andy Peppin said: “Officers have spent the past week working hard to find as much CCTV footage of the area as possible as we try to identify those responsible for the theft of this valuable jewellery.

“But we need the public’s help. We are keen to hear from anybody who saw the van in that area of Bristol during the early hours of 24 February, or who may have dash cam footage.

“And we would also like to hear from people, especially those who work at night in Bristol, to come forward if they saw anyone acting suspiciously.

“What may seem like a trivial piece of information, could in fact make a significant difference to this investigation.

“Anybody who has information about the incident should call 101 and give the call-handler reference 5220044814. Alternatively, if you would prefer to provide information anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”