Antique Guns And Swords Stolen In Raid

11 September 2013, 07:51 | Updated: 11 September 2013, 07:56

Antique pistols, shotguns and three swords are among items stolen in a raid in Christchurch.

Police say the Place Mill Gallery at The Quay was broken into sometime between 7.30am on Sunday 1 September and 9.20am on Monday 2 September 2013.

Police Constable Bill Nightingall, of Christchurch police, said:

"I am appealing to anyone who may have information about this burglary, or saw any suspicious behaviour prior to or after the incident to come forward.

"The antique firearms taken are not loaded and do not pose any immediate danger to the public. However, some are over 200 years old and should not be operated.
 
"The shotguns require gunpowder together with other material in order to be fired, and this will only be sold by specialist outlets. We are very keen to get these weapons returned to their rightful owner.

"It is possible members of the public may be offered these items for sale in strange circumstances at unusually low prices, and if this happens, we would like to hear from you."

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on  the non-emergency 101 number.