A rare historical artefact stolen from a Luton museum in a smash and grab raid back in May has been recovered in Surrey by Bedfordshire Police.
The Wenlok Jug – which is made of bronze, stands is 31.5cm tall, weighs 6.1kgs and is decorated with coats of arms, badges and is inscribed with the words “MY LORD WENLOK” - was stolen during a burglary on Saturday 12th May from a high security display cabinet.
At the end of May, the robbery featured on BBC One’s Crimewatch programme as well as numerous newspaper reports and television news broadcasts.
Following an in depth investigation the jug, which was valued at £750,000, was discovered at a property in Tadworth, Surrey, in the early hours of Monday morning. Two people were arrested at the location. One man, 23-year-old Ronald Nash, has been charged with handling stolen property and will appear at Luton Magistrates Court today. The second has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Barry Townson, who is investigating the burglary, said: “We are, of course, delighted that the jug has been recovered and will be returned to its rightful home but the investigation continues into how it came to be in Surrey and who was responsible for the burglary. I would like to re-appeal to anyone with information about the burglary to come forward.”
A Stockwood Discovery Centre spokesman said: “We are thrilled that the Wenlok Jug has been successfully recovered and would like to thank Bedfordshire Police for their diligence and hard work over the course of the investigation. We look forward to this irreplaceable piece of local history returning to Stockwood Discovery Centre and the community of Luton.”
Anyone with information about the identity of the man or how the jug came to be in Surrey can contact DS Townson at Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 01582 473190, the non-emergency 101 number or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.