CNN
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Thieves have stolen four ancient artifacts, including a nearly 2,500-year-old gold helmet, after breaking into a museum in the Netherlands and using explosives.
Dutch police said they received a report of an explosion at 3:45 a.m. local time, according to Dutch police.
CCTV footage released by police shows the suspects opening an exterior door before the explosion, sparks and smoke billowing into the air. Thieves made off with three gold bracelets from around 50 BC, as well as the 5th century BC helmet of Cotufionesti, a historically important artifact on loan from the National History Museum of Romania in Bucharest.
The objects were part of an exhibit about the Dacians, an ancient society that occupied much of present-day Romania before the Romans conquered it. On show since July, “Dacia: Empire of Gold and Silver” featured treasures on loan from institutions across Romania.
In a press release on its website, the Drenthes Museum described the helmet of Cotofanisti – discovered nearly a century ago in a village in Romania – as a “masterpiece”. Its design featured mythical scenes and a pair of eyes, located above the wearer, which were believed to protect enemies from the “evil eye” during battle.
The exhibition was due to end on Sunday, although the Drenthes Museum was closed for the weekend due to the robbery. The museum said the explosion damaged its premises, although no injuries were reported.
Dutch police announced they were working with international police agency Interpol and had received more than 50 reports as of Sunday. Investigators are currently seeking information about a gray car that was stolen from the nearby town of Alkmaar early Saturday and caught fire four miles from the scene, shortly after the overnight robbery. .
Police believe the suspects abandoned the vehicle, which had stolen license plates, and fled in another vehicle.
In a press statement, the General Director of the Drenthes Museum, Harry Tupan, called the incident a “dark day” for both his institution and the National History Museum of Romania.
“We are deeply shocked by the events that took place last night at the museum,” he added. “In its 170 years of existence, there has never been such a big event. It also makes us very sad for our colleagues in Romania.
