Nineteenth century lighthouse lamp stolen

It's worth £1 million

A lighthouse lantern worth a million pounds, together with other high value items have been stolen from a storage facility in Ilfracombe.

They were taken from Qubik Space Storage on the Mullacott Industrial Estate, Ilfracombe, on the night of Monday 24 January.

The break-in is being linked to other burglaries in the area between Sunday 23 January and Tuesday 25 January.

A man aged in his thirties from the West Midlands area has been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

The 19th century lantern, pictured, which weighs around two tonnes and is estimated to be worth a seven-figure sum. It is constructed from around 12 separate brass frames with precisely cut curved glass sections. It also has a sectional solid brass supporting structure.

Among the other high value items taken were a marine inboard motor, high-quality fishing tackle and power tools.

They haven't yet been found.

Detective Inspector Praveen Naidoo said: “We are keen to recover these items for the owners, some of which are of a particularly high value.

“The break-in at the storage facility was one of a number of high-value burglaries and break-ins in the area that we believe are all connected.

“One of the items stolen in the burglary is of particular historical significance, being a lighthouse lantern dating back to the mid to late 1800s and is valued close to £1m. Until it was dismantled for storage, it was believed to be the only remaining operational lantern of its type in the world.

“We continue to investigate these crimes and are working with neighbouring forces.

“We have break-ins reported in several locations within and around the Ilfracombe area.

“On Monday night, we have had numerous containers broken into at Qubik Space Storage Facility. We also have reports of locks being cut on a number of motorcycles at a business in Woolacombe but currently nothing reported to have been stolen at this particular incident.

“On Tuesday night we have reports of thefts of vehicles on Springfield Road and Watermouth Castle areas of Ilfracombe, plus theft of tools from the Watermouth Inn, and a marine engine, cycle and other items following a break-in at the Lee Memorial Hall.

“We are taking this matter extremely seriously and it is vital that anyone with any information that could assist us with our investigation contacts us immediately.

“We would especially like to hear from anyone who can help us to locate the stolen items.”

If you witnessed the incident or have any information that could help the investigation, email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting CR/006981/22.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.