Thieves break into saleroom and take lots awaiting collection

ON the evening of Tuesday, March 1 thieves broke into Willingham Auctions and stole four fruit-decorated Royal Worcester vases.

The vases had been sold in a previous sale (February 5) and were in a locked cabinet awaiting collection. A single 11in (28cm) high vase and cover signed by Freeman (shape number 1572) with an old paper label to the base had sold for £1600. A set of three lidded pot pourri vases and covers, also signed by Freeman, had sold for £8000.

The theft took place at around 8.15pm after thieves had entered by smashing the glass in the saleroom door.

Any information should be directed to Cambridgeshire police quoting crime reference number CF0091480311.