European Museums Hit by Wave of Targeted Thefts
During the summer of 2026, museums across Europe experienced a series of targeted thefts involving small, high-value items. Significant incidents comprised the heist of 37 Roman gold aurei from the Centre archéologique de Montans in France (June 30-July 1), the theft of 27 Lalique jewels valued at €4.5 million from the Musée Lalique (July 5), and the Torque of the Lady of Vix (July 24). In Spain, 220 gold coins were taken in Albacete (July 27), alongside a €5 million Bronze Age treasure from Villena (August 27). Additional thefts included Zinedine Zidane's World Cup jersey (August 5-6), historic clocks in Switzerland (August 9), and three panels by Antonello da Messina (August 15). To enhance security, a €30 million fund will be allocated, as proposed by Catherine Pégard.
Key facts
- Thefts at European museums have increased and become more targeted during summer 2026.
- On June 30-July 1, 37 Roman gold aurei were stolen from Centre archéologique de Montans, France.
- On July 5, 27 Lalique jewels worth €4.5 million were taken from Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France.
- On July 24, the Torque of the Lady of Vix, nearly 480g of pure gold, was stolen in France.
- On July 27, about 220 gold coins were stolen in Albacete, Spain.
- On August 5-6, Zinedine Zidane's 1998 World Cup jersey was stolen from Musée Jacques-Chirac in Sarran, France.
- On August 9, historic clocks were stolen from Musée d'horlogerie du Locle, Switzerland.
- On August 15, three panels of Antonello da Messina's Polyptyque de San Gregorio were stolen in Messine, Italy.
- On August 27, a Bronze Age treasure was stolen in Villena, Spain, and a diamond necklace from MAK Vienna.
- Europol linked the rise in precious metal prices to the thefts.
- Catherine Pégard presented a security plan in France with 33 measures and a €30 million fund.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Centre archéologique de Montans
- Musée Lalique
- Musée Jacques-Chirac
- Musée d'horlogerie du Locle
- MAK Vienna
- Europol
Locations
- Montans
- France
- Wingen-sur-Moder
- Alsace
- Albacete
- Spain
- Sarran
- Locle
- Switzerland
- Messine
- Sicily
- Italy
- Villena
- Vienna
- Austria