A VALUABLE collection of Wedgwood ceramics has been stolen in Huddersfield.
And it is a crime which exemplifies how important it is to make it difficult for the thieves to dispose of their ill-gotten gains.
They steal property to sell and the harder we can make it for them to be able to do so, the better for us all.
With crimes like this – or any burglary or theft – reducing the value of items for thieves is one way of hopefully putting them off.
Imagine, for example, the difficulty a thief would have in trying to sell a watch with your name engraved on it if they aren’t able to prove who they are to the dealer.
That’s why if people take the time and trouble to postcode and indelibly mark their valuables, or sentimentally important property, it may well decrease second hand values.
It is unusual to see burglaries where the suspects have a lot of time to remove a large number of items from someone's home.
Sadly in this case we did experience such a crime, when a large number of expensive, limited edition Wedgwood ceramics were stolen.
The burglary took place on April 16 between 9am and 3pm when the suspects broke into a house on Forrest Avenue in Edgerton by prising open a back kitchen window.
Once inside, the thieves stole 32 Wedgwood plates, vases and tea sets – all of which were in the style of the 1930s artist Clarice Cliff.
The collection includes limited-edition pieces including a Honolulu plate, a Farmhouse plate, a Blue Lucerne plate, a Bonjour teaset and blackbird pie funnels.
As well as the 32 pieces, the thieves took an iPad, Netbook, digital camera and several items of jewellery from the house before making their escape.
I am now appealing for anyone who knows anything about this burglary, or sees the distinctive ceramics on offer for sale, to contact Pc Carolyn White via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The value of property marking should not be underestimated.
If you think of your car’s registration number, it makes your car unique.
Similarly, photographing jewellery, antiques and art-work is very important.
If this is done, you can show the police and your insurance company what your stolen property looks like.
I would strongly advise people to keep a list of marked property and consider other commercially available property marking products.
Keep a written descriptive record of your valuable items to include information such as dimensions, materials made from, any identifying marks, date made, and date purchased.
If using the standard UV pen, mark your postcode and house number in the following format POSTCODE/HOUSE NUMBER (eg HD12NJ/1) – this is a unique reference and can be checked anywhere in the country.
You can also register your valuables on the Immobilise.com website.
