Galleries targeted by shoplifters with over £4,000 of artwork stolen.

Police are appealing for witnesses with any information following reports of three thefts from galleries in Dartmouth.

Last Friday, September 7, the incidents were reported to have happened.

An offender removed a hare sculpture and a painting from the shelves and left without paying from Baxters on Foss Street.

The stolen items taken between 2pm and 5pm are both distinctive. The hare sculpture by Gin Durham is approximately 40x25cm and is brown and white with gold edges on the ears.

Additionally, the other missing artwork is a painting on wood of a bird and has ‘Ronnie’ inscribed on the back. The items taken from Baxters value around £490.

The Simon Drew Gallery on Foss Street was also shoplifted this week and a teapot clock was stolen, worth £1225. It is described as an antique, blue and white and approximately two feet tall clock showing a violin, chess set, teapots and chairs.

Simon Drew said the staff noticed the clock was missing after lunch and said there was CCTV in the shop but it had been turned towards the wall. He said there is no CCTV on Foss Street.

Police also received reports of a theft from Whitesails in the town where two bronze statues called Toby and Marrise were reported to have been stolen. The statues valued £3,000.

PC Phil Johnson said: “We are currently treating these incidents as linked and it’s believed that the locations were targeted. 

“All of the items are unique, rare and recognisable. I’d appeal for anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time to contact police. 

“I’d also urge anyone who has any information about the incidents or the whereabouts of the items to contact police.

Any information can be reported to police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected] quoting CR/083679/18.