Burglars have stolen a solid 18-carat gold toilet, worth £5 million
(N2.2billion) from Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England.
The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, September 14.
The toilet titled ‘America’ which was created in 2016 by Italian
artist Maurizio Cattelan only went on display two days ago during an
exhibition.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed the toilet was stolen and a
66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft and
remains in police custody.
Dominic Hare, chief executive officer of Blenheim Palace, told the
BBC the toilet is valued at about six million dollars and was a ‘very
precious piece’.
He said the theft of the solid gold toilet ‘was a huge shock’.
‘Staff were instantly aware of what happened and police arrived very, very quickly indeed,’ he added.
When asked if the artist had been contacted, he said: ‘There
were some slightly nervous calls at 6am but we have spoken to the artist
and Lord Edward at the art foundation, and many of the trustees, and
they have been magnificent in their support.’
Mr Hare added: ‘We have a sophisticated security set-up here
and we have had no loss of this kind in living memory, which probably
reflects the quality of that operation.
‘The events of the last 24 hours mean we may have reason to reconsider some of our systems.’
He was also asked whether a party, which took place at the palace
on Friday night, could have created an opportunity for the theft.
In response, he said: ‘We have been asked not to comment on the investigation. But there was a clear time separation between those things.
‘There is always a risk when you display valuable art to the
public, but it is worth that risk, even now, it was still worth that
risk.’
Confirming that the palace would reopen on Sunday following repair works, Mr Hare explained: ‘We’ve now got a huge hole where there was once a golden toilet.’
Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: ‘The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.’
Inspector Richard Nicholls added: ‘We are aware they left about
4.50am this morning. CCTV is one of the aspects we are looking on and
that will come out in due course.’
When asked if he believed a reception party held on the same night
of the exhibition’s launch could be connected, Insp Nicholls said: ‘I am
not aware of the reception party personally, but that would form part
of our enquiries in order to ascertain events leading up to the item
being stolen.’
Thames Valley Police also disclosed that the offenders broke into the palace overnight and left the scene at about 4.50am.
Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: ‘Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.’
Detective Inspector Milne added: ‘We believe a group offenders used at least two vehicles during the offence.
‘The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are
conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those
responsible to justice.
She continued: ‘Residents will see an increased police presence in the area while officers and staff carry out enquiries.’
‘I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious
in the area to contact police. ‘You can call us on 101, quoting URN 273
(14/9), visit our website or visit a police station.’
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