🏺🇦🇺 Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Recovered After Museum Break-In

A 52-year-old man has been charged after allegedly stealing several “priceless” ancient Egyptian artifacts from the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, according to police. 🚔

Authorities say the suspect smashed a window early Friday before fleeing with multiple historic items.

🏺 Stolen Treasures Included:

Police reported the stolen artifacts included:

• 🐱 A 2,600-year-old wooden cat sculpture

• 📿 A 3,300-year-old necklace

• 🎭 A mummy mask

• 🏺 A mummy collar

The museum describes the collection as culturally and historically significant, with some items dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt.

🚐 Arrest on Russell Island

Investigators later located a camper van at a ferry terminal parking lot roughly 50 miles from the museum. All stolen artifacts were recovered with only minor damage.

The suspect — who reportedly has no fixed address — was allegedly found with the final missing item, the wooden cat sculpture, and was arrested on Russell Island.

⚖️ Charges Filed

The man now faces multiple charges, including breaking and entering and three counts of willful damage.

Police have not released further details about a court appearance but confirmed that the artifacts are being assessed for conservation needs.

🔎 Cultural Significance

Museum officials and cultural heritage experts emphasize the importance of protecting ancient artifacts, noting that such items represent irreplaceable links to human history.

📌 Stay tuned for updates as legal proceedings move forward and the museum restores the recovered artifacts.