[MSN] UK. Police investigating the theft of historic civic regalia from Hartlepool Civic Centre are trying to enlist the help of antique experts in a bid to get them back.

[MSN]

Chains hunt goes nationwide
Last Updated: 06 March 2008 9:52 AM

Picture: http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Chains-hunt-goes-nationwide.3847615.jp

POLICE investigating the theft of historic civic regalia from Hartlepool Civic Centre are trying to enlist the help of antique experts in a bid to get them back.
Hartlepool Police have placed adverts in national antique magazines in a bid to find the ornate pieces which would cost around £45,000 to replace.

They were stolen on January 2 in a smash-and-grab raid on Hartlepool Civic Centre.

The ornate items, that have been likened to the people's regalia, were taken from a display case during an overnight break-in at Hartlepool Borough Council's reception.

In an attempt to locate the vice-chairman's chain that dates back to the late 1800s and a gold chain worn by the vice chairman's lady, which dates to 1902, police have been appealing to those who know all about their heritage.

A police spokeswoman said: "Sadly there here are no new developments with regards to the mayoral chains.

"But we have been placing adverts in antique magazines in the hope someone may have seen or heard something in that field but so far nothing has come of it at all.

"One is called Trace and solely deals with finding stolen art and antiques. Police often use it in this kind of case."

Despite fears that thieves could have melted down the town's jewels, that are insured for £45,000, council leaders are hopeful of a happy ending to the sear
ch.

A council spokesman said: "We certainly have not given up hope of recovering the chains and we would once again appeal for anyone with information to get in touch."

A meeting of the council's general purposes sub-committtee on March 13 is being held to look into the centre's security and how it can be improved.

The vice-chairman's chain has a series of silver-gilt links connecting 16 small shields and one larger crest enamelled shield, supporting a shield-shaped pendant featuring the Hartlepool 'hart and dog' civic crest in enamel.

The lady's chain is in gold and features ten ornate scroll links plus an enamelled coat of arms supporting a pendant with a miniature portrait of Queen Alexandra, and a larger pendant with the enamelled Hartlepool civic crest.

Anyone with information can contact the police on (01642) 302126 or (01429) 221151 or the council on (01429) 523001.

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