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Thieves make historic mistake after stealing museum’s fake rhino horns
A BREAK-IN at Tring Natural History Museum backfired for thieves in the early hours of Saturday after the £240,000 rhino horns they stole turned out to be replicas.
The horns which were on display had been switched for fake ones by museum staff, following similar thefts across Europe.
A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said: “Detectives are appealing for information following two break ins at the Natural History Museum on Akeman Street in Tring overnight.
“Police believe the first incident occurred between 10pm and 12.30am this morning, Saturday August 27, when offenders gained access to the building through breaking in through the front door.
“The second break in occurred around 4.30am when offenders gained access to the museum through a first floor window.
“Officers believe that it was during this second visit that the horns, which are replica ivory horns as the originals had previously been removed by the museum, were stolen.”
Investigator Kevin Deudon, from Hemel Hempstead Police Station, who is investigating the incidents, said: “We are appealing for information to both of these incidents, were you in the Akeman Street area of Tring either prior to or shortly after 12.30am or 4.30am this morning?
“Perhaps you were in the Tring area and saw a dark coloured hatchback, possibly an estate car, being driven quickly or suspiciously?
“If you have any information at all, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, I would urge you to contact police immediately.”
Paul Kitching, manager of the Natural History Museum in Tring, said: “We’re deeply saddened by this pointless theft. The rhinoceros horns that have been stolen were replicas made out of resin, so they have no commercial value.
“We’re now working with the Police and urge anyone with any pertinent information to get in touch.
“We are working today to clear up the Museum so that we can re-open as usual tomorrow.”
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Weather for Aylesbury
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
