In a shocking incident early Saturday, the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, was targeted by thieves who detonated an explosive device to gain access to its valuable exhibitions. Among the stolen items was the golden helmet of Cotofenesti, a significant Romanian artifact dating back to the fifth century B.C.—a period marked by the Dacian civilization.
Thieves Use Explosive to Burglary Dutch Museum, Steal Ancient Golden Helmet
Thieves Use Explosive to Burglary Dutch Museum, Steal Ancient Golden Helmet
A prized ancient artifact from Romania, the golden helmet of Cotofenesti, was stolen during a dramatic heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands.
The break-in, depicted by grainy security footage, involved three masked individuals who used a powerful blast to break through a heavy museum door. By morning, the Dutch police confirmed the severity of the theft, which also included three golden bracelets. "This is a dark day for the Drents Museum and the National History Museum of Romania,” expressed museum director Harry Tupan during a press conference.
The stolen helmet, weighing over two pounds and featuring ornate designs and studded embellishments, was part of a traveling exhibition from Romania that had been showcased in Assen since July 2024. Romanian officials described the cultural loss as “incalculable,” emphasizing the helmet's historical significance in their heritage.
Authorities are searching for links between the museum burglary and a nearby vehicle fire, believed to be the escape route for the thieves. This incident marks a troubling pattern in art thefts; a similar event occurred in Amsterdam last November, where thieves used explosives to steal artworks from a gallery.
Investigation efforts are ongoing, with the local police appealing to witnesses who may have information regarding the brazen heist. The impact of this theft extends beyond the museum walls, reflecting vulnerabilities in the protection of historical artifacts.
The stolen helmet, weighing over two pounds and featuring ornate designs and studded embellishments, was part of a traveling exhibition from Romania that had been showcased in Assen since July 2024. Romanian officials described the cultural loss as “incalculable,” emphasizing the helmet's historical significance in their heritage.
Authorities are searching for links between the museum burglary and a nearby vehicle fire, believed to be the escape route for the thieves. This incident marks a troubling pattern in art thefts; a similar event occurred in Amsterdam last November, where thieves used explosives to steal artworks from a gallery.
Investigation efforts are ongoing, with the local police appealing to witnesses who may have information regarding the brazen heist. The impact of this theft extends beyond the museum walls, reflecting vulnerabilities in the protection of historical artifacts.
