100-year-old stolen haul discovered

A suitcase crammed with books more than 100 years old has been found by police.

Officers were searching a property in Anglesey on March 9 as part of an investigation when they made the discovery.

The brown suitcase contained a number of books, including Alice in Wonderland and The Bible – some of which bear personal inscriptions dating between 1892 and 1894.

A pearl necklace was also found during the search.

Police now want to reunite the property with its owner.

Investigating officer DC Jade Bennett at Caernarfon CID said “During a search warrant in Holyhead an old, brown suitcase was seized containing a number of books and a pearl necklace which we strongly believe to be stolen.

“Our enquiries have so far failed to identify their rightful owners but we believe them to have been stolen from anywhere between Merseyside and North Wales.

“A number of the books have inscriptions to a ‘M.E. Taylor or Mary Elizabeth Taylor’ from what looks like E. Sawyer in 1892 and 1894.

“A further book bears the name David Cooke 1889. We’ve also recovered a (cultured) pearl necklace contained within a case marked Seibido.Co – Ikutasuji Kobe.”

Police are asking anyone who can help with the investigation to contact the North Wales Police control room direct via web live chat http://www.northwales.police.uk/contact/ chat-support.aspx. or by phoning 101.

Calls may also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone contacting officers is asked to quote the reference number RC18028374.