Jewell thiefs targets Birmingham Museum - but the Staffordshire Hoard is safe

Jun 22 2010 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

A BURGLAR stole three pieces of Indian Jewellery from a display case at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

But luckily the sneak thief missed out on the larger prize, items from the priceless Staffordshire Hoard on show in a gallery nearby.

Gallery curators said that the missing jewellery, three bangles, is modern and of no significant value compared to the many masterpieces on show.

They are still undertaking a full review of security in the light of the theft, even though it was the first time in seven years a display item has been stolen.

The jewellery was taken from a display in Gallery 33 between 5pm and 8pm on Friday, May 28.

Police are currently reviewing security camera footage and may have identified a suspect.

A museum spokesman confirmed that items of Indian jewellery were taken from a display cabinet.