A collection of rare and unusual antiques worth £30,000 - including a framed black-and-white photo of author James Joyce - has been stolen.

Police were called to a storage facility in Waltham Forest on the morning of April 20 by a member of staff, who said that one of the storage units had been broken into.

The victim was contacted, and later identified that more than 20 items had been stolen - with a total value of as much as £30,000.

Among them were two cameras disguised as binoculars, a camera disguised as a pocket watch and another disguised as a book.

A number of other cameras, photography equipment and portraits were taken - alongside a large, framed, black-and-white photo of Irish author James Joyce.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A selection of the antiques that were stolen. Photo: SWNS

The thieves are believed to have gained entry by smashing through the unit's lock and shutters.

Detective Sergeant Keith Faris, who is investigating the break-in, said: “This appears to be a targeted and well-planned burglary in which the suspects have left with a large amount of items.

“The owner is understandably devastated at the loss of these antiques which he thought were safely locked away.

“We want to reunite him with his property and we would urge anyone who might have been offered these stolen items for sale to come forward as a priority.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

One of the items stolen was a camera disguised as a pocket watch. Photo: SWNS

A Scotland Yard spokesperson added: "Detectives are appealing for information after a collection of antiques were stolen from a storage facility in Waltham Forest.

"Police were called at around 8.45am on Monday, April 20 by a member of staff at the building who advised one unit had been broken into.

"The victim was contacted and later identified that more than 20 items had been stolen.

"These were comprised of a number of unusual antiques including two cameras disguised as binoculars, a camera disguised as a pocket watch and a camera disguised as a book.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The stolen antiques included two cameras disguised as binoculars. Photo: SWNS

"A number of other cameras, photography equipment, portraits and a large, framed, black-and-white photo of author James Joyce were also taken.

"In total, the items are believed to be valued at around £25,000 to £30,000.

"It is believed the suspect(s) gained entry by causing deliberate damage to the unit’s lock and shutters."