Man Arrested For Arundel Castle Burglary

A man has been arrested by detectives investigating a burglary at Arundel Castle in West Sussex.

The 45-year-old was arrested this morning (Tuesday, Sept 21) at an address in Eckington, Worcestershire by Sussex Police officers in a joint operation with Gloucestershire Constabulary, West Mercia Police and Thames Valley Police.

He is in custody for interview about the burglary by Sussex officers in Gloucestershire.

Eight warrants were executed by Sussex officers at addresses in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Specialist search officers from Sussex Police and detection equipment have been deployed as part of the operation which continues.

No warrants were executed or arrests made in Sussex.

Six other men who were also arrested are being interviewed by Gloucestershire and West Mercia officers in relation to alleged burglary, assault and drugs offences, all unrelated to the burglary .

A collection of valuable items of irreplaceable historical significance (in picture above) was stolen from Arundel Castle in a burglary on the night of Friday 21 May.

The collection, valued at more than £1million, comprised;
1. Mary Queen of Scots Rosary Beads; 
2. Seven gold / silver-gilt coronation cups (George II, George III, George IV, William IV, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II);
3. Gold Earl Marshal’s baton;
4. Gold and enamel baton;
5. Other miscellaneous items including 10 silver-gilt Apostle Spoons, a silver-gilt casket with hunting and fishing scenes, and a silver-gilt mug.

Detective Inspector Alan Pack of Sussex Police said: 

"Our investigation into the Arundel Castle burglary remains live and this action marks a significant step in our enquiries.

"I would encourage anyone with further information about this burglary to contact us, and also remind people that the insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the property be recovered intact. You can also contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Deuce.

“We are very grateful for the co-operation of West Mercia, Gloucestershire and Thames Valley Police whose assistance demonstrates how together we will take action to seek to disrupt criminality of all kinds."