Swiss authorities are searching for two robbers who overpowered a guard at the Museum of Ancient Rome in Lausanne, smashed a display case and made off with dozens of gold coins on display inside.
GENEVA — Swiss authorities were searching Friday for two robbers who overpowered a security guard at a museum dedicated to ancient Rome in Lausanne, smashed a display case and made off with dozens of gold coins on display inside.
City police said the suspects bought tickets and waited for other patrons to leave shortly before closing Thursday before attacking and restraining a security guard and then smashing a display case.
The monetary value of the loot was not immediately released, but police said the coins had “archaeological value.”
The theft comes as gold prices on world markets have risen sharply this year – even as they have dropped their highs lately – and a high-profile robbery in The Louvre in Paris revealed vulnerabilities and security breaches in museums.
Officials said the Lausanne Museum employee, a 64-year-old Swiss citizen, was questioned by investigators and that he was not injured in the incident. There were no other people – employees or visitors – nearby at the time.
The State Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation. The city of Lausanne filed a claim for damage to the museum, and the regional government – the owner of the gold coins – announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings.
