Thieves Use Explosives in Major Dutch Museum Heist

Sun Dec 21 2025 02:51:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A daring theft at the Drents Museum in the Netherlands has left authorities in shock after thieves detonated explosives to steal a priceless golden helmet and other artifacts.

In a brazen acts captured on grainy security footage, three hooded individuals attempted to break into the Drents Museum in Assen on Saturday, resulting in an explosion that destroyed a heavy access door. The Dutch police confirmed that the theft was not a simple burglary but a well-coordinated operation targeting valuable cultural treasures. Among the stolen items was the golden helmet of Cotofenesti, an ancient artifact with significant historical importance, on loan from Romania.

Drents Museum director, Harry Tupan, expressed profound sadness regarding the incident, marking it as a historical low for the museum that has stood for 170 years. Alongside the helmet, additional stolen items included three golden bracelets from the fifth century B.C. This elaborate headpiece, crucial to Dacian ceremonial practices, bears intricate designs and scenes of sacrifices.

The stolen artifacts were part of a traveling exhibition, recently opened in July 2024, highlighting the cultural heritage of Romania. Romanian officials have emphasized that these items carry an "incalculable" value. The Dutch police have also launched an investigation into a potential link between the museum burglary and a nearby vehicle fire. This incident follows a recent similar theft at a gallery in Amsterdam, demonstrating an alarming rise in art crime across the region.