Australia police recover ancient Egyptian artefacts stolen from Caboolture museum

Australian police charged a 52-year-old man after a break-in at the Abbey Museum in Caboolture and recovered several stolen ancient Egyptian artefacts. Most items were found the next day and the remaining piece was recovered when the suspect was arrested.

Australian police have charged a 52-year-old man after a burglary at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, and recovered a number of stolen ancient Egyptian artefacts. Investigators said the break-in occurred at about 3am local time and that several items reported as important to the museum's educational programme were taken. Most of the objects were found the next day in a car at a ferry terminal south of the museum, and the final wooden cat sculpture was found later when the suspect was arrested on Russell Island. Authorities say the suspect told police he believed it was his duty to return the items to their "rightful place" and that some artefacts were wrapped in his country flag. Known details: - A 52-year-old man has been charged with breaking and entering and three counts of wilful damage, according to police reports. - Stolen items reported include a painted wooden cat figurine from Egypt's 26th Dynasty, a 3,300-year-old necklace, a mummy mask verified by the British Museum, and other jewellery. - Police say most artefacts were recovered the next day in a vehicle at a ferry terminal; the remaining wooden cat sculpture was found at the time of arrest on Russell Island. - The suspect is reported to be originally from Venezuela and was living in a van; prosecutors say he told police he did not believe the museum should have had the objects because of links to the Catholic Church. - The museum described the loss as devastating and heartbreaking and said each piece will need professional assessment and conservation to protect its long-term future. Summary: The recovered artefacts are back in authorities' custody but are to undergo professional assessment and conservation before their condition and future can be confirmed. The suspect has been charged and allegations of damage were made in court; further legal steps are undetermined at this time.