Burglary following explosion at Drents Museum in Assen
Assen - At approximately 03:45 AM, the Dutch police received a report of an explosion at the Drents Museum on the Brink in Assen. Upon arrival, it became clear that access to the building had been gained by forcing a door with explosives. Several valuable archaeological artifacts were stolen from the premises, including the golden helmet of Cotofenesti.
The explosion also caused damage to the museum. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made so far. Authorities suspect that multiple individuals were involved.
A large-scale investigation has been launched, and police are conducting further on-site inquiries today. This includes a neighborhood investigation, forensic examination, and reviewing security camera footage. The police are focusing on identifying both the suspects and the stolen artifacts. The investigation team has also decided to involve Interpol, an international organization that assists police forces in preventing and combating crime.
Possible suspicious vehicle found near Rolde
Police are also investigating a potentially suspicious vehicle. Around 04:15 AM, they received a report of a car fire at the intersection of Grolloërstraat and Marwijksoord with the N33, near Rolde. No one was present at the burning vehicle. Authorities suspect that this car may be linked to the explosion and burglary at the museum. A possible scenario is that the suspects switched to another vehicle in the vicinity of the fire.
Call for help from residents
Residents near the museum, the location of the car fire, or the possible escape route may have seen suspicious individuals or vehicles last night. Additionally, anyone with footage from a doorbell camera or dashcam between 03:00 and 04:30 AM may have valuable information for the investigation.
Do you have any tips? Let us know!
Do you have any information about the explosion and burglary? Do you have an idea of who the suspects might be? Have you seen suspicious individuals at the Drents Museum in recent days, possibly lingering near the valuable artifacts? Do you have footage or details regarding the suspicious car or any other suspicious vehicles? Or do you know anything about the stolen artifacts, which may be circulating in the criminal underworld? Please reach out to us!
You can contact the tip line at 0800-6070, use the online tip form on the police website, or share your information anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000. Additionally, the Criminal Intelligence Team of the police can receive anonymous tips while protecting the identity of sources. They can be reached at 088-6617734. In case of emergency, call 112.
