Police are appealing to railway memorabilia collectors to be on the lookout after a brass train nameplate was stolen by thieves in depot in Wembley.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The locomotive involved (Pic credit: © Chiltern Railways)The locomotive involved (Pic credit: © Chiltern Railways) (Image: Archant)

The distinctive piece was removed from a locomotive by crooks who are believed to have used an angle grinder on Thursday, 28 August.

The plate measures 3ft by 8ins, has ‘Dyfrbont Pontcysyllte’ written on it and is worth around £3,000.

Investigating officers have pursued several lines of enquiry, including analysing CCTV footage from the depot and taking witness statements and are now appealing directly to those with a passion for railway memorabilia to help recover the plate.

Detective Constable Mike Ganly, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is not a museum piece but important railway equipment, which should be put back where it belongs, on the side of this train.

“Such items are of particular value to collectors of railway memorabilia. This item is likely to have been stolen to order or to be re-sold on the black market. I would therefore appeal directly to genuine collectors to be on the look-out for this nameplate.

“They should get in touch if they are offered it for sale, or have any further information of its whereabouts.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B9 of 05/09/2014.

Alternative you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.