Talana Museum was burgled last night by thieves who had knowledge of the layout of the building.

Entry was gained through the roof over the kitchen that is adjacent to the conference room which is being prepared for the annual Creations Craft Show due to open next week.

The alarm system’s control box was ripped out and thieves got into the archives where a safe was toppled over.

Curator, Pam McFadden, said it is unclear if any valuable Anglo Boer War medals or medals from the First or Second World War had been stolen as staff were warned by police not to touch anything until fingerprints had been taken.

The fingerprint team from Newcastle had not yet arrived at the Museum while the Courier was on the scene.

The firearm safe was also opened but no arms taken.  A data projector and a laptop – on which there is 15 years of archive work – was taken.  Pam’s office was also broken into and the draws opened and the contents strewn around.

Rosalind Selepi’s office, adjacent to reception, was also broken into and the thieves made several attempts to open the large safe.  Broken drill bits were found on the floor along with knives and even folks.

A carry trolley, also from the Museum, had been placed under the safe as if the thieves were preparing to take it with them before realising it was too heavy.

They even had the temerity to take down stairs a stock of cold drink and drink several bottles.  Pam said she was worried that the police took nearly two hours to respond and that the fingerprint unit even longer.

“With days to go to Talana Live, we really do not need this drama.  I am also concerned that if medals were stolen these will be quickly sold on the blackmarket.  The thieves appeared to know exactly what to look for and where the security control panel is.”