Multiple historic items stolen from Desert Rats Museum in Ickburgh, near Thetford after break-in

The team behind a military museum has been left ‘devastated’ following a break-in that resulted in the theft of several historic items.

The Desert Rats Museum in Swaffham Road, Ickburgh, near Thetford Forest, was vandalised overnight after intruders gained entry by breaking a lock.

Some of the stolen items include World War II patches, badges and helmets, a German knife, a field marshal’s baton, brass shells and a baby gas mask.

Manager Paul Smith, who has worked at the museum for more than 15 years, said: “We’re devastated.

“We’re just a small museum dedicated to our British history and my heart and soul has gone into this place.

“It’s a legacy thing. People come to visit and say ‘my dad did this’ or ‘my granddad did that’ – but now that’s been spoilt.”

Mr. Smith discovered the break-in this morning and said it occurred last night.

Norfolk Police have been notified and are due to visit the museum today to assess the scene.

The museum staff have detailed inventory lists and will provide the police with a comprehensive record of the missing items.

In the meantime, the museum is closed until further notice.

The Desert Rats Museum is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Norfolk Police.

Additionally, the museum is welcoming donations of World War II artifacts to help replace the stolen items.

Norfolk Police was approached for further information.