Advertisement
Switzerland
WorldEurope

Swiss police hunt 2 men after gold heist at museum, in echoes of Louvre robbery

Police said the men had bought tickets and waited until near closing time to overpower the guard and flee with dozens of gold coins

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
A view of the gold coins on display at the Musee Romain in Lausanne, Switzerland, on November 4. Photo: Keystone/AP
Associated Press
Swiss authorities were searching on Friday for two robbers who overpowered a security guard at an ancient Rome-themed museum in Lausanne, smashed a display case and made off with dozens of gold coins that had been displayed inside.

City police said the suspects had bought tickets and waited until other visitors had left shortly before closing time on Thursday.

“The two individuals assaulted and overpowered the guard. They then broke into a secured display case and stole several gold coins that were displayed inside,” before fleeing, the police statement said.

Advertisement

The 64-year-old guard had activated the museum’s panic alarm, triggering a rapid response by law enforcement, police said.

The monetary value of the loot was not immediately revealed, but police said the coins had “archaeological value”.

A jewellery set that was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris last month. Photo: AFP
A jewellery set that was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris last month. Photo: AFP

“At this stage, an inventory is under way to determine the exact number of items stolen and to identify any other missing items,” the statement said.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x