[MSN] CAT burglars stole £240,000 of valuables in a six-minute raid of a stately home.

[Museum Security Network Mailing list]

£240k stolen at stately home
By Devika Sen-Gupta
CAT burglars stole £240,000 of valuables in a six-minute raid of a stately
home.

The professional thieves stole 22 items from Pitzhanger Manor House, Mattock
Lane - including a rare top of a replica Martinware fountain and several
other unique pottery pieces.

The art-appreciative thieves carried out a well-planned break-in to the
magnificent interior of the Manor House on March 22 at 2.50am, and left
rapidly.

Peter Lipman, Ealing Council's director of cultural services, said: "The
council deeply regret that such a valuable public collection has been
targeted by thieves.

"Pitzhanger Manor House has an extensive alarm system but it is clear that
the thieves knew exactly what they were looking for as they were in and out
within minutes.

"Because of the importance of this collection, the Martinware room is
temporarily closed and the remaining pottery is being stored off-site and
will not be shown until the room is made secure.

"Because the house is a listed building this may take some time to do.

"The council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and appeals for
people's patience during this time."

The Manor House, designed by architect John Soane in 1800, was exhibiting
the Martinware pottery.

The Martin Brothers established the pottery company in Southall in 1877 and
the value of their goods has recently increased which has attracted art
enthusiasts.

The thieves entered through a window to a room where the exhibition was
located. Although highly secured and alarmed, the thieves are thought to
have known the Manor House well and worked around the security system
getting in and out fast.

Anyone with information can contact Ealing Police on 020 8810 1212, crime no
2509314/07, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk/