Rare set of portraits stolen in house raid
10:50am Friday 15th February 2008
Comments (1)THIS unique set of miniature photographs worth £30,000 has been stolen in a raid at a house in Dorchester.
Police say they believe the collection of 22 ancestral portrait items may be offered for sale, and they are warning local antique dealers and auction houses to be vigilant.
And officers are urging anyone with any information on the raid on the West Walks property to come forward.
The distinctive photographs are all portraits that range in size, from around one-and-a-half inches up to five inches.
The pictures date as far back as 1750, right through to around 1910.
Two silver candlestick holders were also stolen in the burglary.
The owner of the photographs estimates that the collection is worth more than £28,000.
Detective Constable Chris Hurrell, of Dorchester CID, said the burglary has left the victim 'very distressed'.
He said: "I'm keen to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in West Walks and anyone who has been offered these unusual photos for sale. This is a despicable crime and I'm appealing for anyone with any information whatsoever to contact me."
He said it is likely the culprit will try and sell on the portraits.
"The set of photos are irreplaceable," he added.
"I'm hoping that, with help from the Dorchester community, I can reunite the owner with her family heirlooms."
The burglary happened sometime between 4pm and 9.30pm on Thursday, February 7.
Witnesses and anyone with any information on the raid should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222222 or Crimestoppers.
PHOTO THEFT: The collection of 22 miniature photos, worth nearly £30,000
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MIG, Poole says...
7:48pm Sat 16 Feb 08
It may be helpful to those looking for these miniature portraits to bear in mind that in the late 19th century it was not unusual to mount a photograph in the same frame, and in front of, a painting of the same subject.