News / Crime
Thousands of pounds worth of paintings stolen in burglary at shop
Paintings worth a combined £4,500 have been stolen during a burglary in Totterdown.
The incident at a picture framing shop on Wells Road was the second attempt to break into the property in the space of days.
Owner John Marsh says he is “gutted” by what has happened at Hang It Picture Framing.
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Three paintings worth a combined £4,500 have been stolen from Hang It Picture Framing in Totterdown – photo: Charlie Watts
Burglars broke through a barred window at the back of the building at about 9pm on Sunday.
In minutes they stole three pieces of art – two by anonymous artist Lukey and a third by Brenda Herd – each worth £1,500.
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John, who opened his shop in January 2020, says the thieves caused thousands more in damage during the “smash and grab”.
He said: “I haven’t slept, every time my phone rings, I think it’s the shop alarm.
“I’m so busy at the moment with picture framing for customers since coming out of lockdown, so it has put me on hold.
“We only live five minutes away, and when we come up on Sunday, we just missed them.”
Owner and framer John Marsh says he has been unable to sleep since the incident – photo: Charlie Watts
An unsuccessful attempt to burgle the property is thought to have taken place two days before, just after midnight on Friday.
The owner believes thieves tried to force their way through the front door and then the fire exit at the side of the building.
Burglars entered and exited the building via a window at the back of it – photo: Charlie Watts
John’s wife, Sharon, has taken a week of unpaid leave to help him in the shop during this difficult time.
She added: “We are totally shocked, we built the business from nothing and weathered Covid.
“We’re just trying to bring happiness to Totterdown. We saved up to open this shop and then someone, in three minutes, wrecks it.”
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John and Sharon have posted CCTV footage of the break-in online in a bid to catch the burglars.
Avon & Somerset Police said CCTV enquiries into the burglary on Sunday and the attempted one on Friday are ongoing.
Anyone who saw what happened, or witnessed anything suspicious in the area on either evening is urged to call 101 and give reference number 5222042657.
Main photo: Charlie Watts
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