Items allegedly stolen from Dunks Specialist Model Shop in Trowbridge

The items were reportedly stolen from Dunks Specialist Model Shop, in Church Walk, Trowbridge, on Tuesday, May 7.

Business owner Duncan Pearce, 62, said he was woken at 6am by a call from a passer-by who saw the smashed side window next to the shop door.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating reports of a burglary at Dunks Specialist Model Shop in Church Walk, Trowbridge.

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“It is believed that a small amount of cash was taken, along with radio-controlled cars worth around £1,000.

“Officers are carrying out CCTV and house to house enquiries.

“If you have information which could help with our enquiries please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 54240051983.”

Duncan said: “The thief broke in at 1.30am by smashing the side window next to the door."

He said the man walked through to the back of the shop and picked up a radio-controlled vehicle kit which he took to the front of the shop.

“He then proceeded to pick up some of the other radio-controlled cars which he had disturbed when he broke into the shop and then took £20 cash.

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“Altogether, I lost about ten kits which were all boxed up. They are Tamiya radio-controlled high-end kits made in Japan worth between £150 and £400 each," Duncan added. 

Models similar to those that were stolen from Duncan Pearce’s specialist model shop in Church Walk, Trowbridge. Image: Trevor Porter 77035-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Duncan told a Wiltshire Times reporter that four of the kits were later recovered from a black bin in Church Street.

Pearce added: “It is a devastating blow. I have been here for 11 years and nothing like this has ever happened before.

“I am insured but some of the stock has been discontinued and will be difficult to replace.”