A Highland dance group in Winnipeg is turning to the public to find a set of decorative swords used in many of its performances.

The costume designer for the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg, Deborah Holmberg, said five swords were stolen from her vehicle Sunday night.

The swords are an important part of the group's dance routines, said Holmberg.

"It just limits us in terms of how many people we can put on stage performing. Eight people up there at once all dancing with the swords it's an impressive sight, and now we don't have enough swords to accomplish that."

Swords used in the performances by the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg went missing on Sunday night following a vehicle break-in. (Deborah Holmberg)

Some costumes stored with the swords were also stolen, but were recovered just blocks away from Holmberg's house.

The swords are silver in colour with gold hilts and red tassels. Typically they are sold in pairs and can cost anywhere between $150 to $180 dollars per pair, said Holmberg.

"When people think of Scottish dancing the sword dance and pipers is something that is a very visual representation. It makes people think of our Scottish culture," she said.

The items are "purely decorative" and don't have sharp edges, Holmberg said.

Winnipeg Police have been notified about the stolen items.