Professional thieves steal Chinese artifacts in second heist

Published on May 3rd, 2012 | by Sevaan Franks

The Fitzwilliam Museum at Cambridge University has fallen victim to a daring heist which was responsible for stealing 18 ancient Chinese artifacts, two weeks after a similar robbery at Durham University.

The Fitzwilliam Museum theft saw the loss of eighteen items including a Ming jade cup from the 14th century, eight pieces from the Qing dynasty, a 17th century jade elephant, and many other precious, and irreplaceable, items.

“The eighteen items stolen are mostly jade and are part of the museum’s permanent collection,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Daber, who is leading the investigation. “The items stolen are very valuable and are of great cultural significance so we are absolutely committed to recovering them and bringing those who stole them to justice. This is an exceptional crime that we are taking very seriously.”

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Story: Renee Mallett, Examiner | Photo: Fitzwilliam Museum

Tags: Chinese, Crime, Heists, Museums, Robbery, Thievs