Queensland Police are appealing for public assistance after “priceless” Egyptian artefacts were stolen from a museum north of Brisbane yesterday.
Police said a man broke into the Monastery and Archeology Museum in Caboolture around 3 a.m. Friday.
The man reportedly broke a window and took several Egyptian artifacts before leaving the scene.
The stolen items included ancient burial masks, cat figurines, and jewelry, all dating back thousands of years.
This cat figurine was among the items stolen from the museum. (Supplied)
Thieves stole ancient Egyptian jewelry from exhibits. (Supplied)
Abbey Museum, Archaeological Events and Public Programs Manager Joel Stevens said the artifacts were an important part of the museum’s education programme.
“For us, it’s shocking and heartbreaking,” he said.
“We have more than 10,000 students visit the museum each year, where they not only take part in archaeological excavations, but also learn about world history through the museum.
“These works are part of our signature collection; [are] It is very important to that educational program. ”
Joel Stevens from the museum said the loss was “devastating”. (Supplied)
Stevens said recovering the artifacts is “all we’re interested in.”
“These items are priceless to us…perhaps of little value to others.”
he said.
Queensland Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, anyone involved or who knows the whereabouts of the stolen property to come forward.
The Abbey Art Museum and Archeology Museum has reopened with a limited exhibition of remaining Egyptian artefacts.
“We still have a million years of world history on display,” Stevens said.
The museum remains open, but the remaining Egyptian artifacts are on limited display. (ABC News: Lottie Twyford)