In a daring heist, hoodlums dynamited their way into a museum, making off with priceless artifacts. Among the stolen loot was a 2,500-year-old golden helmet, an archaeological treasure.
In the early hours of Saturday, at around 3:45 AM, Dutch police received a report of an explosion at the Drents Museum in Assen. The explosion was linked to a daring heist, as thieves made off with three ancient gold bracelets and the 5th-century BC Helmet of Cotofenesti, a historically significant artifact on loan from Romania.
CCTV footage released by police shows the perpetrators gaining entry by force, followed by an explosion that sent sparks and smoke into the air. Upon examining the scene, it became evident that valuable cultural artifacts were missing.
The Helmet of Cotofenesti, recognized as a "masterpiece" by Drents Museum, features mythological scenes and unique protective elements, such as a pair of eyes located above the wearer's eyes, designed to deter enemies and ward off the "evil eye" during battles.
The stolen items were part of an exhibition showcasing the Dacians, an ancient society that occupied much of present-day Romania before being conquered by the Romans. "Dacia: Empire of Gold and Silver" had been on display since July, having borrowed treasures from various Romanian institutions.
Despite the unfortunate incident, no injuries were reported. However, the museum premises sustained some damage due to the blast, prompting it to remain closed over the weekend. The robbery affected the scheduled closing date for the exhibition, leading to disappointment among visitors.
Dutch police are now working alongside Interpol, having received over 50 tip-offs. One critical lead is the theft of a gray car from the nearby city of Alkmaar earlier in the week. The car was later discovered nearby, ablaze and abandoned. It is believed that the suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped in another getaway car.
The museum's general director, Harry Tupan, expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, acknowledging it as a "dark day" for both the Drents Museum and the National History Museum of Romania. Cooperation between Dutch and Romanian authorities is ensuring that every possible effort is made to recover the stolen artifacts and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Drents Museum's exhibition featured various artifacts from the Dacian society, showcasing their artistic style and cultural wealth, including the Helmet of Cotofenesti. The police are investigating the theft of the helmet and other valuable items, as the museum's unique style and contributions to the global arts community are deeply valued.
