Police dig up site in hunt for castle’s stolen £1m treasures
POLICE are digging up an area of wasteland close to RAF Brize Norton in a search for historic treasures worth more than £1 million stolen from Arundel Castle.
The artefacts – described as being of “priceless historical importance” – were stolen from the Sussex landmark during a break-in on May 21.
The gold and silver items included an “irreplaceable” set of rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots at her execution in 1587.
Several coronation cups given by Mary to Earl Marshal were also taken from a display cabinet in an area usually open to the public.
Officers have now taped off a property in Alvescot Road, near Carterton in Oxfordshire, not far from the RAF base, believing it may contain items taken from the castle.
The property was formerly known as The Ark and had previously been occupied by a roofing contractor.
A 45-year-old man was arrested at an address in Eckington, Worcestershire, on Tuesday by Sussex Police officers in a joint operation with
Gloucestershire Constabulary, West Mercia Police and Thames Valley Police.
Specialist search officers from Sussex Police and detection equipment have been deployed as part of the operation, which continues.
Six other men who were also arrested are being interviewed by Gloucestershire and West Mercia officers in relation to alleged burglary, assault and drugs offences, all unrelated to the burglary.
Insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the property be recovered intact.
In June, Sussex Police released photos of two ladders used by thieves to break into the castle.
The two metal ladders, one sixfoot long and one 12 foot, but both capable of being extended to twice their lengths, were found there and had been used by the thieves to gain access to the dining room where a window was forced to gain entry.
The ladders had clearly been well used over some years. The long ladder has some distinctive black and yellow paint splashings and each has some worn labelling.
Police hope that someone in the decorating or building trade, or maybe someone who just had them at home, will realise that they are missing them, and will get in touch.
Detective Inspector Alan Pack of Sussex Police said: “Our investigation into the Arundel Castle burglary remains live and this action marks a significant step in our inquiries.
“I would encourage anyone with further information about this burglary to contact us, and also remind people that the insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the property be recovered intact.
“You can also contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Deuce.
“We are very grateful for the cooperation of West Mercia, Gloucestershire and Thames Valley Police whose assistance demonstrates how together we will take action to seek to disrupt criminality of all kinds.”
In June a reward was offered on the basis that any items stolen were returned in their original, undamaged condition.
Our investigation remains live and this marks a significant step in our inquiries DI ALAN PACK