SA Police search for Boer War artefacts, papers stolen from State Library

POLICE are asking for help to find more than 150 historical Boer War diaries, papers and artefacts stolen from the State Library’s restricted area up to six years ago.

POLICE are asking for help to find more than 150 historical Boer War diaries, papers and artefacts stolen from the State Library’s restricted area up to six years ago.

The stolen items include more than 150 papers and documents, and artefacts like a compass and fob watch.

Police say all lines of inquiry have been exhausted since the State Library reported the theft late last year.

Senior Constable Christopher Butcher, of the Eastern Adelaide Local Service Area, said officers had checked with specialist antique dealers, auction houses and online sales outlets.

All the items stolen relate to a single family with the surname White, with some referring to Samuel White, SA White or Samuel John White.

Descendants of the family who donated the collection to the library have been told of the theft.

State Library director Alan Smith said security had been boosted at the library since the theft was discovered.

“This includes restricted access to storage areas, the use of additional security devices and locked trolleys for transporting collections throughout the library,” he said.

He said the North Tce library also planned to install CCTV cameras to monitor all entry points to the basement, where many collections were held.

“We value the collections held in the State Library on behalf of the people of South Australia, and the people who entrust their family’s heritage records to our care,” he said.

“This incident raised immediate concern, and action was taken to quickly identify any possible areas where collection security had been breached.

“The State Library wants to reassure the community, including our many valued donors, that while theft is rare, every effort is being made to prevent any re-occurrence.”

Sen-Constable Butcher said police had not found a motive for the targeted theft and the items may have been taken up to six years ago.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, an escalating conflict between the British Empire and the Boer republics of southern Africa turned into war.

By the beginning of 1901, British forces were in control of almost all Boer territory.

Anyone with information about the items, their theft or current location, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.