SURREY Police is appealing for witnesses after The Bourne Mill Antiques Centre in Guildford Road, Farnham was burgled in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Officers were called to reports of five males wearing balaclavas putting items into a white 15 plate BMW 1 Series at the Grade II-listed Bourne Buildings on Guildford Road just before 1am.

The suspects had broken into and raided the antique shop, stealing numerous items.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote ref PR/45200036458.

It comes after thieves broke into the Rural Life Living Museum late last month, making off with a haul of priceless artefacts linked to the area’s rural heritage.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at the outdoor museum – formerly the Rural Life Centre – in Tilford overnight between March 26 and 27.

Officers confirmed a “large quantity” of items were stolen, which the Herald understands include many items donated to the museum as well as historical family heirlooms.

Anyone with information relating to the Rural Life raid is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting crime reference number PR/45200033392.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to leave your name, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A police spokesman said: "Surrey Police is seeing business premises and retail units more at risk of being targeted for organised burglaries as criminals take advantage of lockdown measures to profit from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"During such unprecedented times, we understand business owners will undoubtedly feel concerned as they are being forced to close their doors and leave premises unattended.

"If you can remotely, please check that your security systems are in place and working correctly by doing an assessment of security cameras and making sure that any service doors are locked and secured.

"We are also urging business owners not to store large quantities of cash or high-value items in their premises whilst they are closed.

"We are patrolling more frequently both day and night, reacting to intelligence and looking out for any suspicious activity in hotspot areas and industrial estates which we have identified as being particularly vulnerable or isolated.

"We are also asking the public to remain vigilant and keep a look out for businesses and shops which are currently closed.

"If you notice anything suspicious or something that doesn’t seem right, this is urgent and we would ask you to call this into us on 101. If you see or are aware of a burglary in progress, please call us immediately on 999."