'Race against time' to save stolen lighthouse lantern
Crimestoppers is offering a £5k reward after it was taken last month
Last updated 3rd Feb 2022
Crimestoppers says there's a race against time to stop a rare 19th century lighthouse lantern being melted down.
The charity's now offering a £5,000 reward for the return of what it's calling 'a vital piece of English coastal heritage. '
The historic Hartland Point Lighthouse lantern – dating from the 1800s – was in storage in Ilfracombe to undergo refurbishment
It’s feared that the lantern could have been moved from Devon to the West Mercia, West Midlands or Bristol areas.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said, “It’s so incredibly important for us to protect our precious heritage and that includes key historic structures such as lighthouses on our coastline. It’s sad to think that criminals have stolen vital equipment dating back to the 1800s - one of only three in the world.
“Our charity is here to help and gives people the option of staying completely anonymous whilst doing the right thing.
“If you have information, please don’t stay silent but speak up - no matter how small you think that information may be, it could make all the difference. With your help, we can protect our treasured heritage.”
Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111