His garage was packed with artillery, firearms, ammunition and uniforms from both world wars. His entire collection was removed and destroyed in a controlled explosion.
A collector has been arrested on suspicion of stealing from a former prisoner of war camp after police found bombs, bullets and a machine gun in his garage. The 46-year-old man was detained after officers with a search warrant discovered a “museum” of WW1 and WW2 weapons at his home in St Albans in Hertfordshire on Wednesday morning. Nearby houses have been evacuated while army bomb disposal officers examine the collection, which may be blown up in a field if found to be unsafe.
(INS)
Hertfordshire Police had intelligence to suggest that the man, who lived in the house with his family, had been hoarding WW1 and WW2 artefacts. Inside the man's garage, they found bombs, gas masks, military uniforms, a British flag and a WW1 machine gun. It is believed the man had been travelling all over the UK to sites where he thought he would be able to find more weapons to add to his collection. One of the places he visited was a former POW camp in Batford, about six miles from his home. During the second world war a large PoW camp was located on the site, where prisoners were housed until around 1947. Police believe the man also travelled to battlefields in Europe. The removal of items from heritage sites using detectors amounts to theft. It is believed the man had been bringing items back to his home with a view to selling them on.
(INS)
Speaking outside the house, Detective Sergeant Peter Frost said: "This morning we have made one arrest and executed a warrant at this address. "We have found a number of munitions, firearms and ammunition which are believed to be historic items from World War 1 and World War 2." He said that they were found in the garage adjoining the house, which he described as a "museum" of historic artifacts. Police say that if there is a need to safely detonate items, they will be taken to a field nearby. A community centre on the nearby Jersey Farm Estate has been opened for residents moved from their homes.
One neighbour, living further along the street, said "He's a very nice man and I know he's been collecting things for years, but I understood he always took the pins out before bringing them back." Neighbour Ranjit Yogendra, 66, said the man lived at the house with his wife and two young daughters. He said "They must have been here around ten years. They are a lovely family. I understand he used to be a fireman."
A spokesman from Hertfordshire Police stressed there was “currently” no risk to the public. He said: “A 46-year old man from St Albans has been arrested on suspicion of theft from heritage and protected sites and is currently in police custody for questioning. “Currently the army is establishing the safety of those items and carrying out a series of checks, which will take some time.”
Bron: Telegraph.co.uk, 18 september 2014.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... arage.html
