DEVON and Cornwall Police have launched an appeal for information after a report of a burglary in Hatherleigh.

An investigation has been launched after it was reported that during a burglary, several gold and silver bars were stolen.

Police say the incident took place between Thursday, June 12, and Monday, June 16, at an address in Hatherleigh.

Multiple items were stolen during the raid, with the investigating officers at Devon and Cornwall Police issuing descriptions of the various artefacts, which comprised of gold bars, silver bars and a number of gold sovereign coins.

Along with the two silver bars, seven gold bars of various sizes were stolen, with the bars still being in their packaging at the time of the theft and 20 gold sovereign coins were in a small, purple zip up purse.

The two silver bars stolen comprise two Umicore Feinsilber 999 silver bars with serial numbers 305622 and 305609, two OPM metals gold bars with the serial number V30260536R and V30260754T, a Suisse five ounce fine gold with the serial number C001568, four 100g gold bars in a plain packaging and a Metalor 100g gold bar with the serial number 966557.

Officers investigating the incident believe that the individuals who are suspected of stealing the items may be seeking to sell them in order to make money.

It is believed that establishments which may already be, or may be targeted include pawn shops, auctioneers, jewellers or similar outlets.

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking anyone who has witnessed attempts to sell these items at these establishments or elsewhere, has doorbell and dashcam footage or may have other information that may assist with the officers’ investigation to come forward.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are appealing to the community for any information relating to a report of a burglary in Hatherleigh, Devon, during which several gold and silver bars were stolen.

“The burglary was reported to have taken place between Thursday, June 12 and Monday, June 16.

“The items are described as two one kilogram silver bars without packaging, seven gold bars of various sizes that are still in their packaging, and 20 gold sovereign coins in a small purple zip-up purse.

“Officers are appealing for anyone who has witnessed attempts to sell any of these items at pawn shops, auctioneers, jewellers or similar, or anyone who may have information that may help the police identify suspects.

“If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam and doorbell footage that could help with enquiries, please contact us via our website or by calling 101 quoting 50250152253.

“Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.

“If you have been affected by crime, please visit www.victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call victim support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s victim care unit on 01392 475900.”