Urgent Appeal After Shock Break In

20 Jan 2023

On Sunday 15th January at 18:35, a number of uniquely crafted silver items were stolen from the Reception area at Sheffield Assay Office.

Three males, believed to be travelling in a white Vauxhall Vivaro / Ford Transit sized vehicle, proceeded to cut through the perimeter fence with a large angle grinder, to gain entry to the property. The men cut through one of the closed roller shutters, gaining entry to the Reception area where a number of valuable silver items from the Sheffield Assay Office Silver Collection were being displayed in glass cabinets. 

After smashing the cabinets with a large lump hammer, and grabbing the items, the thieves left in the white van, which was being driven by a fourth man.

Chief Executive and Assay Master, Ashley Carson, said,

"I am absolutely devastated to lose such treasures from our collection. They are all irreplaceable and some carry a lot of emotion: the first piece to be hallmarked in Hillsborough, the Diamond Jubilee Commission and First Palladium piece."

The robbery was captured on the Assay Office's CCTV and Mr Carson said "We really hope we can help police catch whoever did this and get at least some of those items back." 

Image: Before and after the break-in 

In response to the incident, the Assay Office are appealing for members of the public and related industries to watch out for any of the items, each one of which is very distinct. One design in particular was created by Katey Felton, a very talented young designer who very sadly passed away in December 2021.

Mr Carson has also stressed that the hallmarking and analytical services operations within the building are protected by highly sophisticated security systems, and at no time was this security, or that of any customers' goods, breached or at any risk.

Anyone with any information relating to the break in should contact South Yorkshire Police on 0800 555 111 or via the online form at Crimestoppers

Source: The Sheffield Assay Office