£6,000 Coat Stand Stolen In Dorset

A coat stand worth around £6,000 has been stolen during a burglary in Dorset

The family heirloom - a carved Black Forest wooden coat and umbrella stand with bears - was taken sometime between 12.50pm on Tuesday 12 February 2013 and 1pm on Thursday 14 February 2013 in Winterbourne Steepleton.

Police Constable Dave Williams, of Dorchester police said: "This item, which has been in the same family for many years, is unique and valued at approximately £6000.

"Apart from the monetary worth of the artefact it has a big sentimental value to the family and therefore the incident has caused a great deal of upset.

"The victim told me they have a great sense of guilt that this was in their care and they lost it.

"I am appealing for anyone who recalls any suspicious activity in the area at the time and anyone with any information about those responsible to contact police."

Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the stolen item to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 14:232. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.