Glass firm in £30k raid

Glass worth £30,000 has been stolen by raiders who smashed their way into the showroom of a Dudley firm which makes cut crystal souvenirs for royal attractions.

Thieves grabbed around 15 pieces from family firm Brierley Hill Crystal, founded a century ago.

Among the items taken in the raid last night is a 42-inch jardinaire vase valued at £18,000 of which there is only one other of its kind in the country.

It has been on display at the showroom in Mount Pleasant, Quarry Bank since 2002.

Owner Darryll Hemmings, aged 39 and a third generation master cutter, said he was "gutted" the pieces had been snatched and is offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of the culprits.

He said: "I'm absolutely gutted at what has happened. Some of the pieces taken are irreplaceable.

"When you look around the showroom there is just a gaping hole where they have taken the big pieces.

"We haven't finished counting up the total cost of what's been taken but it's clear the thieves have cherry-picked the best pieces, for example a big punch vase which is the only one of its kind ever cut."

West Midlands Police confirmed it was investigating a theft at the site and anyone with information is asked to call 0845 113 5000. Thieves forced the lock to external doors and then kicked down an interior door.

Mr Hemmings said the theft was all the more devastating because next week the firm had been invited to attend Buckingham Palace.

Jo Taylor, aged 53, said: "It was a shock to see the big pieces had been taken. I have worked here since I was 16 and in all that time there has only ever been two break-ins."