[MSN] Theft from Wythall Transport Museum. Emotional plea made over locomotive theft.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Emotional plea made over locomotive theft
by Tristan Harris
02/02/2007

THE CHAIRMAN of the Elmdon Model Engineering Society has made an impassioned
plea for the return of one of the group's model steam trains which was taken
from the Wythall Transport Museum last Wednesday (January 24).

The three-and-a-half inch gauge steam model locomotive, which was worth
about £1,000, was stolen between 1.45pm last Wednesday (January 24) and
6.45pm last Thursday (January 25) when the raiders broke into the British
and Midland Museum of Transport in Chapel Lane.

The train was built by the late Solihull model engineer William Brinnersley
and was entrusted to the society by his widow when he died a few years ago.

And the Elmdon Model Engineering Society's chairman Frank Abbott said the
train was of great sentimental value and was being sadly missed by the
group.

"We have been based at the museum for the last ten years and have never had
any trouble like this before.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about the theft to get in touch
with the police."

A police spokesperson condemed the theft and added: “We are appealing for
anyone who saw or heard anything relating to the theft of this model train
to give us a call.

“Equally if you feel that you may know where it is now, we would like to
hear from you.”

Anyone with any information can call police on 08457 444 888 or
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.