Police appeal for information following Montacute House burglary

Police have released images on their website of a number of items stolen during a burglary at a National Trust property in Somerset last week.

The items, including a silver dining-room table centrepiece, a pair of French Empire ormolu candelabra, a pewter tankard and plate, as well as several porcelain items were stolen from Montacute House, situated between Martock and Yeovil.

Many of the items dates back to the early 19th century, including the tankard which dates from 1850 and one of the porcelain items was made around 1810.

According to police, the burglary took place at approximately 11pm on Tuesday 22 October

Dedicated Investigating Officer Dave Pepper said: “Officers attended overnight when the burglary was reported to us and found entry had been forced to gain access to the property.

“We have conducted CCTV enquiries and spoken to a number of people living close by as part of our ongoing investigation. We’ve also provided additional security advice to help deter any similar such incidents from occurring in the future.

“The stolen items are historic and we are keen to help reunite the National Trust with them. We would like to hear from anyone who has information about their whereabouts.”

Keri Phillips, National Trust General Manager for Montacute House, said: “This has been a very upsetting incident for our staff and volunteers.

“The items stolen were a treasured part of the collection, in particular the epergne which is of exceptional significance having been commissioned by Edward Phelips, one of the owners of Montacute House, in the 18th century.”

“The National Trust takes such incidents extremely seriously and continually reviews security arrangements at our sites, working closely with local police forces.”

If anyone has information on the burglary or the items, call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 5224279138 or contact them online via their website.