India, Dec. 12 -- Detectives with the Avon and Somerset police in the UK have launched a public appeal with CCTV images of four men following a "high-value burglary" that saw more than 600 artefacts stolen from Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection.

The extensive haul, described as "a significant cultural loss", includes military insignia, jewellery and decorative art items that document the complex links between Britain and its former colonies, including India.

The theft did not occure at the museum proper. It occurred at the museum's offsite storage facility located in Cumberland Road, Bristol. While the exact method of entry by the offenders was not detailed, they managed to take over 600 artefacts of various de...