Police in Hertfordshire have appealed for help after thieves escaped with 45 lenses from Sigma Imaging?s warehouse in Welwyn Garden City.
The raid took place while key UK staff were away at the Focus on Imaging show in Birmingham at the end of last month.
?We would like to know if you have seen them being offered for sale in any unorthodox manner,? said a spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Constabulary.
The brand new optics ? estimated to be worth around £9,000 on the high street – were about to be dispatched to Jessops when they disappeared.
However, we understand that replacements were available to fulfil Jessops order and, according to Sigma, the stolen lenses (pictured) were fully insured.
Police say the lenses ? all marked ?Sigma? ? include a 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro; 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX DG; 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro; and 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro.
The theft ? believed to have taken place in broad daylight – occurred at Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd?s base which is located at 18, Little Mundells, Welwyn Garden City.
Anyone who can help is asked to call 0845 33 00 222, quoting reference B1/07/925. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
