BURGLARS stole more than £130,000-worth of historic miniature paintings in a village break-in.
The thieves broke into the Shipton-under-Wychwood home of Caroline Beaumont and stole more than 50 works of art, including a 200-year-old portrait of King George III, police said yesterday.
Each of the miniatures had strands of the subject’s hair enclosed in the frame.
The miniatures had been collected over a period of 50 years by Mrs Beaumont’s husband David, who died recently.
Mrs Beaumont said the burglars broke in through a side window at her High Street home.
She added: “It was a very professional job. It’s absolutely devastating for me.”
Police said the burglary happened between 10.15pm on Friday and 9.25am on Saturday.
Detectives are keen to trace a black Vauxhall Astra with a rear spoiler seen nearby.
Anyone with information can call police on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here