Burglary victims view stolen hoard

Colin Adwent

MORE than 70 burglary victims dating back as far as 20 years have come forward to view a treasure trove of stolen property discovered in mid-Suffolk.

The Aladdin's Cave worth tens of thousands of pounds has been set out for viewing until the end of the week in the hope of reuniting items with their owners.

People from throughout Suffolk and Essex have contacted officers since the items were put on show earlier this month.

The haul, which numbers more than 300 items, was recovered when a property in Stonham Aspal was raided in December.

Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Police, said: “We have received over 70 calls from members of the public in Suffolk and Essex.

“These include burglary victims from 20 years ago who have been in touch with us and are coming to view the items. They are due between now and the end of the week.”

The stolen property, seized as part of an ongoing investigation, includes furniture, paintings, ornaments, silverware and jewellery.

Some owners have already been reunited with their property, which was found to have come from burglaries in Ipswich, Leiston, Stratford St Mary and Essex.

However, Suffolk Constabulary is still asking anyone who may have lost items in the past few years to get in touch to try to speed up the process of trawling through existing records.

The pieces recovered at Stonham Aspal range from small flower ornaments and delicate antique jewellery through to wooden furniture, paintings and even framed film posters. The haul also includes a folding bicycle, several old style Gramophones and a CB radio.

The viewings are due to continue at Halesworth police station until this Sunday. Anyone who thinks there may be property belonging to them in the collection is invited to telephone police to make an appointment to see the items.

A special hotline number - 01986 835319 - has been set up for people who may have had similar property stolen in the past few years.