Thieves used explosives to break into the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, stealing several priceless artifacts from the museum’s “Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver” exhibition.
According to Dutch police, a report of an explosion was received at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time on Saturday. Responding officers arrived to find the museum damaged and the artifacts missing. No injuries were reported, though the blast caused significant structural damage.
The stolen items include the 2,500-year-old golden Coțofenești helmet, a centerpiece of the exhibit on loan from the National History Museum of Romania in Bucharest, and three Dacian gold spiral bracelets.
🇷🇴 Romania’s national treasures
The Dacian helmet and bracelets
– The gold helmet, linked to the Geto-Dacian culture, is 2,500 years old and very well preserved, missing only part of its skull cap
– Dacian bracelets are gold jewelry, known for their spiral and decorative… pic.twitter.com/qPKUmNb2zx
— Brave Romania (@brave_romania) January 26, 2025
Drents Museum director Harry Tupan expressed that staff were “deeply shocked” by the burglary, describing it as the most significant incident in the museum’s 170-year history. “These items are irreplaceable cultural treasures,” said Tupan.
No arrests have been made so far, but authorities believe that several individuals were involved. Interpol has been called in to assist in the investigation.
Local police are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting forensic examinations of the crime scene. They are also investigating a burned vehicle found nearby, which investigators believe the thieves used before switching to another car after the crime.
Dutch authorities have appealed to residents near the museum to check doorbell or dashcam footage between 3:00 and 4:30 a.m. for any unusual activity. They have also requested information from anyone who noticed suspicious behavior around the museum in recent days.
The Romanian Ministry of Culture has pledged full cooperation in recovering the stolen artifacts, describing the theft as a “profound loss.”
The golden Coțofenești helmet, crafted around 2,500 years ago, is a masterpiece of ancient Dacian craftsmanship, adorned with intricate decorative motifs. The three Dacian spiral bracelets are similarly significant, representing the wealth and artistry of the ancient Dacian kingdom.
