A trolley trove of ancient treasures
Precious ancient artefacts stolen in a raid have been found dumped in a supermarket trolley.
Staff at the Tesco superstore in Fishbourne nearly threw away the 2,000-year-old haul thinking it was simply a load of rubbish.
But in the nick of time, the supermarket's eagle-eyed security manager Sue Blake realised the jugs, vases and plates were archaeological gems and stopped them from being destroyed in the store's compactor.
A total of 27 artefacts, including a medieval jug and neolithic flint axe, were taken last month from Fishbourne Roman Palace's new discovery centre, sparking a massive police appeal.
Mrs Blake, 43, from Waterlooville, said: 'There was a cardboard box found in a trolley at the front of the store. Staff were just going to throw it away, thinking it was a load of old junk.
'But I had a look at it and I knew it wasn't just your average jugs and vases. It looked very, very old.
'Unfortunately, my husband watches Time Team every week and I have to endure it, so I know my stuff!'
Mrs Blake was unaware of the theft from the Roman Palace until a staff member told her about the police appeal.
The 21 artefacts are now being forensically examined by police for fingerprints, while the other six are still missing.
In the haul was the medieval jug, unearthed during an archaeological dig at the site of the proposed museum in Tower Street, Chichester.
None of the items is of great financial value, being worth about 3,800 in total, but they are irreplaceable to the museum.
Staff at the centre, which is operated by Chichester District Council and Fishbourne Roman Palace, discovered the thefts during routine management of the collections.
It is believed they could have been stolen any time since February last year.
Council spokesman Richard Andrews said: 'We are thankful that somebody has had an attack of conscience and returned them – albeit in a supermarket trolley.'
Cllr Nick Thomas, council cabinet member for culture and sport, said: 'I would particularly like to thank the media for making the public aware of the case, which meant they were handed into police when they were discovered.'
Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information should contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting incident 1034 of 02/10/2007.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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