12 September 2000

MESSAGE TO NEW OWNER OF ABWEHR ENIGMA G 312

The Bletchley Park Trust thanks you for your letter. We understand that you have bought this machine in good faith. The police have publicly stated that having acquired the machine in good faith, there is no reason to prosecute you. The Trust’s priority is to get the missing Enigma machine back in good condition. We accept that you will need to be reimbursed for the purchase price. Please let me know how you would like to take matters forward.

Christine Large
Trust Director.

5 April 2000

MAN RELEASED ON BAIL

The man detained yesterday evening has been released on police bail till April 18. No further details about the individual or the circumstances surrounding his arrest are expected to be released by the police.

The police are today again searching Bletchley Park and a trawl of the lake is being considered.

4 April 2000

MAN ARESTED FOR ENIGMA MACHINE THEFT

A 50 year old man from Bedfordshire has tonight been arrested by Milton Keynes police. Trust director Christine Large said “It is too early to jump to conclusions, but we very much hope that this is a sign of progress in the investigation. Our priority is to get the machine returned early and in a good condition.”

2 April 2000

ENIGMA MACHINE STOLEN FROM BLETCHLEY PARK

A picture of the actual machine that was stolen Yesterday afternoon, an Enigma three rotor cypher machine (pictured on the left) was stolen from the mansion at Bletchley Park, home of the World War 2 codebreakers and birthplace of the communications revolution.

The machine, whose value is difficult to assess, appears to have been taken from a display case while the Park was open to visitors. It was used during the war to protect German secret messages. Enigma machines exchange hands for cash values starting at several thousand pounds.

Trust Director Christine Large said, “This is a selfish act, calculated to deprive the visitors and students at Bletchley Park of the chance to enjoy and appreciate a unique piece of history. The Trust will be deeply grateful for any information that may lead to the return of the machine.”

Meanwhile, leading national security firm Polaris Telemetry, which has agreed to sponsor the installation and management of a comprehensive, high tech security system at Bletchley Park, is speeding up its plans to complete the work. Within the week, the first phase of the ‘MicroLan’ network on the Park will be in operation. All sensitive information and equipment will be asset-tagged. There will be infra red labelling and television monitoring both on the site and at the Polaris Telemetry control centre.

HOW TO SPOT THE ABWEHR ENIGMA MACHINE

Serial number: G-312
Counter like a car odometer above the keyboard on the right
NO plugboard at the front
Extra numbers or symbols on every key

For further information about the Abwehr Enigma please visit here

REWARD

BT Property, which has been a great supporter of the Trust, especially over the last couple of years, is offering a REWARD of £5,000 for information leading to the return of this rare Enigma machine.

For information: Christine Large - 01908 631129 / 07971 193546 / 020 7737 7220
or Thames Valley Valley Police 01908 686000