AN historic Uttoxeter cottage has been targeted by potential thieves after a 17th century door was forced open.
Intruders climbed over the back gates to gain entry to Redfern’s Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life at 6pm on Thursday, and forced their way into the building.
In the process they damaged a 17th century back door and triggered the alarm, which is believed to be the reason they fled from the Carter Street building via the gates which they forced open.
Fortunately the damage to the door was sustained mainly to the modern lock and the cast iron hinges which may be a later addition to the artefact.
The alarm company called out the treasurer John Naylor who immediately attended the scene as well as the town’s police.
Police carried out a thorough inspection of the building with Mr Naylor to ascertain whether any intruders remained inside the building and that nothing had been taken.
Mr Naylor then repaired the door and lock and made sure all was secure.
Curator Laura Wigg-Bailey said: “We are so relieved that our alarm system was working correctly and protected the building and historic collection from damage or theft but we now feel the need to install further security measures and our neighbour Helen Louise is also keen to do this as her property is similarly vulnerable from the rear.
“We plan to consider very carefully what needs to be done and then attempt to raise the funds to install more stringent security methods.
“We believe this may be part of a recent spate of similar break-ins in the Uttoxeter area which is a comfort in a way as it would show that we have not been singled out.
“If anyone has any information about this crime we would sincerely urge you to contact the police as attacks on our town’s businesses and tourist attractions will ultimately affect everyone if it causes them to close down.” Uttoxeter Police said the incident occurred between 4pm and 6pm and body pressure could have been used to force the door open.
There was no sign of entry in the building or of any items taken.
Sergeant Ian Cantrill, of Uttoxeter Police, said: “This is not the first time Redfern’s Cottage has been broken into and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us.” Anyone with information is asked to phone Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
