Southampton: Spitfire Designer's Cigarette Case Stolen

16 March 2015, 11:35 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

An engraved cigarette case which belonged to RJ Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire, has been stolen from a museum in Southampton.

Police say at some time between 8.45pm and 10.45pm on Monday 9 March, the offenders forced entry into the Solent Sky museum on Albert Road South.
 
Once inside they stole a number of items, including a cigarette case engraved with RJM. This belonged to RJ Mitchell, the famous designer of the Spitfire.

PC John Woodfield, said:

“Solent Sky is a charity run aircraft museum in Southampton.  The offenders have specifically targeted the rare pieces within the museum and made off with some irreplaceable items.

“It is possible that the offenders may try and sell these items on; please contact us if you see anything for sale that you think may have been stolen from the museum, or if you have any other information to assist the investigation.”
 
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Woodfield at Southampton police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.