£6k Art Raid In Bournemouth

Officers in Bournemouth are investigating the theft of paintings from a shop in the Boscombe area of the town.

It happened sometime between 5.45pm on Thursday 27 September 2012 and 10am on Friday 28 September 2012 at the Moontree Gallery and Holistic Health Centre on Sea Road.

Around 14 paintings were stolen, along with an Amethyst Crystal Cave ornament and two charity boxes containing cash.

Together the items are valued at over £6,000.

Police Constable Nicola Robinson, of Bournemouth police, said:

"A large number of items were stolen during this theft, and the majority are of great sentimental and financial value to the owners.

“A number of the paintings stolen are acrylic canvases and depict ‘fantasy’ like scenes, so they are quite distinctive.

“Some also have the artist’s initials DGR and a small picture of a bee on them.

“A light coloured Ford Transit type van was seen in the area around the time of the incident, and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this vehicle.

“I urge anyone who has information about this incident, who may have seen something suspicious or has been offered any paintings in unusual circumstances to contact us as soon as possible on 101 in the strictest confidence.”