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Thieves steal Villena Treasure in under four minutes, one of Europe's great Bronze Age hoards
Euronews.com • • world
Key Points:
- The Villena Treasure, a highly valuable collection of Bronze Age goldwork in Alicante, was stolen early this morning from the Villena Museum (MUVI), with intruders escaping in under four minutes.
- The theft involved 59 pieces made of gold, silver, iron, and amber, including three crowns of the Virgin and Child, with an estimated value exceeding 1.5 million euros.
- Authorities believe the robbery was a carefully planned, professional operation, beginning with a diversionary alarm at a nearby sports centre to draw security forces away.
- The thieves attempted entry through the main door before breaking reinforced side windows, indicating thorough preparation and expertise.
- The Villena Treasure was originally discovered in 1963 by archaeologist José María Soler, hidden inside a vessel in a dry stream bed, marking it as a significant archaeological find.
