Five arrested in raids over thefts from museums and auction houses
Items from various Chinese dynasties were taken in Cambridge in April 2012
Five
people have been arrested during raids by police investigating thefts
of "priceless items" from museums and auction houses in England.
Hundreds of officers from 26 forces and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) are involved in the operation.Searches have taken place in London, Sussex, West Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Northern Ireland.
The raids are in connection with the theft of Chinese artefacts and a rhinoceros horn in 2012.
Six burglaries took place over a four-month period, police said.
'Priceless items' Three happened at Durham University's Oriental Museum, one at Gorringes Auction House in East Sussex and one each at Norwich Castle Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge in April last year.
Thieves attempted to steal a rhinoceros horn from Norwich Castle Museum
Although much of the stolen property was recovered, several high-value items are still missing.So far, eight people have been convicted and jailed for a total of more than 40 years for their roles in the break-ins.
Five more arrests have been made after the raids earlier.
Four men were detained after police broke down the door of a mobile home at Smithy Fen travellers' site in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
A fifth man was arrested at an address in Walsall.
Chief Constable Mick Creedon, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead for serious organised crime, said: "The series of burglaries last year had a profound effect on museums and similar institutions and we are committed to bringing all those who were involved in the conspiracy to justice.
"Many of the stolen Chinese artefacts are still outstanding and a substantial reward remains on offer for information which leads to the safe return of those priceless items.
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