News

Dear Editor

Re:-Battle of Britain Museum re-opens - (Photo)

No, sadly the rules re photography are still in place and are likely to stay due to a theft and several attempted thefts from the Museum over the last few years.

These restrictions were introduced after consultation with the Police and Crime Prevention Officers, and are a very sad reflection on modern society. They sadly affect us all.

We used to enjoy having photographs taken at the Museum and it was a very good way to publicise the attraction. Sadly with the risk of theft the rules were introduced as a way of insuring that the collection will be around for many generations to view and enjoy.

These rules are becoming increasingly common in Museums, Stately Homes and even National Museums due to the very same reasons we introduced these rules of entry.

The majority of local Aviation Museums also have the same restrictions - Tangmere, Lashenden, Shoreham and Brenzett - with the only exception of Manston. Even the National Trust have had to prohibit photography in their properties.

The main reason that many Museums and the like are stopping photography is the use of cameras and mobile phones to aid thefts. The theft we suffered was pre-planned and the Police are sure that they had previously visited the Museum and photographed the item they wished to steal.

One photograph not only gave the thief the provenance of the exhibit but also allowed him to study what screws-drivers - three different sorts were required to steal the item - side-cutters, pliers etc that they needed to return and steal the item. This they did when the Museum was open and without carrying any bags.

Sadly last year we heard that the National Motorbike Museum had also suffered a theft and were prohibiting photography. A visitor asked if he could take a picture, with a mobile phone, of a display. When the security guard returned he found that case had been opened and the contents had been stolen.

The Police believe that the visitor/thief texted the picture somewhere, may be down the road or even the other side of the world, had it confirmed that these were the items required and then stole them to order.

We would also add that although we do not allow photography in the Museum we help visitors and enthusiasts where ever possible.

Last year we responded to over thousand enquires about the museum, the Battle of Britain, particular pilots, general research, which is all done in our own time at our own expense.

Kind regards

Dave Brocklehurst

Chairman / Historian
Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust Ltd