Dutch police have arrested three individuals for their suspected involvement in an explosion at the Drents Museum in Assen and the theft of four gold artifacts on display there. The arrests occurred in Heerhugowaard, a city in North Holland approximately 180 kilometers (~112 miles) from Assen, according to an update from police published yesterday, January 29.
After searching residences in Heerhugowaard, authorities have still not recovered the stolen pieces, which consist of three royal bracelets and a helmet that date back nearly 2,500 years to the Dacian civilization. They were on loan from the National History Museum of Romania as part of the visiting archaeological survey Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver, slated to close on Sunday, January 26.
Less than two days before the show’s end, the pieces were stolen by thieves who used explosives to break into the museum.
Police said that they detained the suspects based on detective research, camera photos, and tips from the public. They have not ruled out more arrests and are currently searching for another suspect, whose photo they published online.
“We are very pleased with the hopeful news regarding the arrests in North Holland,” the Drents Museum said in a statement.
“The safe return of the stolen artifacts would be a fantastic next step for all involved,” the statement continued. “Not only for us, but especially for the Romanian people.”
Erin L. Thompson, a professor of art crime at John Jay College, told Hyperallergic earlier this week that in cases such as archaeological thefts, thieves are often targeting the precious metals rather than the artifacts themselves.
“Sadly, I have little doubt that these pieces have already been melted down,” Thomspon said.
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