Three arrested in connection with Blenheim Palace toilet burglary
16 October 2019, 15:06
Three people remain in police custody after they were arrested in connection with a burglary at Blenheim Palace in which a golden toilet was stolen.
Thames Valley Police were called to reports of a burglary at Winston Churchill's birthplace at Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on September 14.
The toilet, valued at around £4.8 million, was allegedly taken in an overnight raid at the 18th-century estate.
On Wednesday, the force announced that three further arrests had been made in connection with the burglary.
A force spokesman said: "A 35-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, all from Oxford, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit a burglary other than a dwelling."
A 66-year-old man from Evesham was previously arrested on suspicion of burglary, along with a 35-year-old man from Cheltenham who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.
The fully-functioning toilet named America was in place for visitors to use in a wood-panelled room.
The burglary caused "significant damage and flooding" because the toilet was plumbed into the building, police said.
Blenheim Palace's chief executive Dominic Hare said the stately home's security measures needed "to be challenged" after the 18-carat gold toilet was stolen.
Mr Hare said a gang "mounted a very fast smash-and-grab raid" at the Oxfordshire palace in September.
The palace's insurance company Fine Art Specie Adjusters said up to £100,000 could be offered as a reward for the expensive toilet's safe return.
