Police in Bishop Auckland are investigating the theft of a display case belonging to the Durham Light Infantry Association. The wood and glass display cabinet, which measures approx 5ft x 1.5ft, contains 48 military cap badges and was in the foyer of Bishop Auckland Town Hall. At around 3pm on Monday, June 11, two men entered the foyer and unscrewed the display cabinet from the wall.
They ran off carrying the display case between them, despite staff shouting that they had been seen. They continued across the Market Place towards North Bondgate. The men were both white, in their early 20s and 5ft 6in tall. One was of slim-medium build, wearing a red hooded fleece with the hood up and the other was of slim build, with short dark hair and wearing greyish coloured jogging bottoms.
PC Sue Bainbridge said: “These men have gone to extreme lengths to steal this cabinet as it was screwed to the wall and situated in the main library foyer of the Town Hall, which is a public area and busy thoroughfare. They also tried to unscrew the hinges from the campaign medal cabinet, without success. “They will have been very noticeable in the town centre carrying a wooden display cabinet between them. We’re keen to speak to anyone who can identify these men or has information about this offence.”
Anyone with information should ring 101 and ask for police at Bishop Auckland or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111