Heavy Victorian urns stolen in village heritage crime

Police investigating a heritage crime in Markyate involving the theft of three Victorian lead urns are appealing for witnesses and information.

The trio of outdoor ornaments, two of which are a pair, were stolen from a garden in Cheverells Green, Markyate, at some point between midday on Saturday, February 21 and 12.40pm the following day.

The thieves gained access to the rear of the garden, took the urns and fled in an unknown direction.

The urns are grey, made of lead and are heavy – weighing around 25kg each. They were also full of earth and officers say a vehicle would almost certainly have been needed to take them away.

The pair of urns are dark grey in colour and have two ornate handles either side. The other urn is light grey in colour and both feature moulded etchings around them.

Investigating officer PC Brian Evans, said: “The urns date back to the late 19th century and hold a great deal of sentimental value to the owner. Due to the age of the urns they are also considered to be heritage artefacts.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the local area around the time of the offence and saw anyone removing the urns to get in touch as soon as possible. A vehicle would have been needed to remove the urns from the property; therefore perhaps you may have seen an unfamiliar van or car in the area?

“I’d also be interested to speak to anyone who believes they have been offered the urns or something similar for sale. Any information you provide could significantly help my investigations.”

Anyone with information is urged to call PC Evans on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number D1/15/1200.

Heritage crime is any offence which targets the historic environment – such as famous natural landmarks and cathedrals, or cultural property such as pieces of art.

Anyone can sign up to become members of Herts Police’s Heritage Watch by visiting www.herts.police.uk/HeritageWatch.