Police have arrested 14 people believed to be involved in a series of burglaries of stately homes including the manor of property tycoon Harry Hyams.
Hyams, who built the Centre Point building in central London, was the victim of the gang of arts and antiques thieves in February this year.
The raid of his 17th-century Ramsbury Manor, Wiltshire is believed to be Britain’s biggest domestic burglary.
Hyams, who is worth £300m, is a collector of fine art.
Over the past four years the gang raided Britain’s grandest stately homes in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire taking tens of million of pounds worth of property.
Police officers from five forces were involved in the action across the South of England – the culmination of a 21-month operation against the organised crime network.
Police are questioning the gang, thought to number more than 21, over conspiracy to commit 23 offences including burglaries from stately homes and country houses, shops, hotels and a string of thefts from cash machines.
References: EGi News 11/10/06
