News / Crime
CCTV footage shows dramatic moment lord mayor’s chains stolen
The moment the Bristol lord mayor’s historic chain of office was stolen can be seen in dramatic new CCTV footage.
Two safes, including one which contained the ceremonial jewellery, were stolen from a unit in Smeaton Road near the Create Centre between 2.30am and 4am on Monday, February 24.
The footage appears to show a van being used to drag one safe out of a building, with people seen running alongside the vehicle as it leaves the scene with the safe pulled behind it.
One of the safes was recovered the next day in Winford. CCTV investigations have been carried out since the theft and footage has been found showing a white Transit van that the police are hoping to trace.
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.
Despite the lord mayor being a largely ceremonial position, they also chair council meetings – photo courtesy of Bristol City Council
“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 February 24, 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.
The chain of office is the main symbol of authority of the lord mayor. In 1828 the chain worn by the lord mayor was not considered good enough and it was melted down and the city received £50 for it. The replacement chain which is now worn was made at a cost of £288.83, which included the morocco leather case – photo: Ani Stafford Townsend
The chain is 155cm (61 inches) long and is made of 23 carat gold. The weight of the chain is 1.13kg (21b 8oz) – photo: Ani Stafford Townsend
Main photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police
Read more: Call for Bristol lord mayor to face ethics committee
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