Silver, jewelry, and watches are gone after a shocking burglary at Blomqvist.
1 of 3Photo: Blomqvist
The auction house Blomqvist shared images on Tuesday afternoon of two of the valuable items that were stolen in the shocking burglary on Tuesday morning:
- “Silver stuff”“Silver stuff”A “stuff” is what the old geologists called a piece they hammered out of the rock, either because it was beautiful or because they wanted to investigate it further. If the piece was made of silver, it was called a silver stuff. Source: DigitaltMuseum from the Kongsberg mines valued at between 200,000 and 250,000 kroner
- Luxury watch ”Tank Louis” from Cartier valued at between 50,000 and 60,000 kroner
The thieves broke into the premises and made off with several
Managing director Knut Forsberg told VG that he, along with staff and police, is going through the missing items.
– We encourage anyone who knows anything about these objects to contact us or the police, and we are very grateful for the help we have already received and may potentially receive.
The silver from Kongsberg currently appears to be the most valuable single item stolen, Forsberg reports.
The silver stuff is part of a special collector’s category and is considered highly sought after. VG has previously reported on silver from the collection that sold for a staggering <a aria-label="35.6 million kroner" class="default
The watch from Cartier is the most expensive watch that was stolen.
– It could be nearing that, yes. We are halfway there now before the jewelry inventory, but it won’t be several million.
Blomqvist has recently held an exclusive auction featuring diamonds and expensive watches, planned to conclude tomorrow.
The Cartier watch is the only item stolen from the auction, Forsberg confirms. The rest of the stolen goods are other valuable items.
– There has been better attendance than usual because of the press, of course, the director adds.
The police do not wish to release surveillance video of the incident at this time.
There is no new information in the case as of Tuesday afternoon, reports the operations leader in the Oslo police district.
How can auction houses improve their security measures to prevent future art and jewel thefts?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the stories that matter. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Elin Hager, a forensic expert in art and jewel thefts. We’re discussing the shocking burglary at the esteemed auction house, Blomqvist, where several valuable items were stolen, including a piece from the historic Kongsberg mines. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hager.
Dr. Elin Hager: Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s get right into it. The burglary at Blomqvist has made headlines due to the valuable items stolen. Can you tell us why objects like the “silver stuff” from Kongsberg hold such significant value?
Dr. Hager: Absolutely. The “silver stuff” refers to raw silver pieces that were extracted from the Kongsberg mines, which have a rich history of silver mining dating back to the 17th century. These natural specimens are not only valuable for their metal content but also for their geological and historical significance. Collectors and museums highly prize them.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating how these pieces carry both monetary and historical value. The estimated value of this silver piece ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 kroner. How do you think the criminal underworld perceives such items?
Dr. Hager: The criminal underworld typically understands that items like this hold immense value, not just in terms of materials but also desirability among collectors. Unfortunately, specific pieces like the Kongsberg silver are often sold through illicit channels, and their unique characteristics make them easier to identify, which could make any attempt at resale tricky for thieves.
Interviewer: Speaking of resale, what might be the challenges in selling such stolen artworks or collectibles?
Dr. Hager: Many factors come into play. First, there’s the risk of being caught. Stolen items often have unique identifiers or documented histories, especially those valued at such high amounts. Secondly, there’s an inherent difficulty in finding buyers willing to take on that risk, particularly for uniquely identifiable items like the Cartier “Tank Louis” watch they stole, valued at about 50,000 to 60,000 kroner. Selling in open markets or auction houses becomes nearly impossible.
Interviewer: It seems there’s a sort of built-in risk for the perpetrators. Looking at the burglary itself, how might auction houses enhance their security measures to prevent such break-ins?
Dr. Hager: There are several strategies that auction houses like Blomqvist can adopt. Firstly, improving physical security measures, such as reinforced doors and better alarm systems, can deter theft. Employing advanced surveillance technologies, including motion detectors and CCTV, is crucial. Additionally, staff training on security protocols when handling high-value items adds an additional layer of protection.
Interviewer: Those sound like effective measures. Now, Blomqvist has called out to the public for information regarding the stolen items. How effective do you think community engagement is in recovering stolen valuables?
Dr. Hager: It can be incredibly effective. Many cases have seen successful recoveries through tips from the public. Engaging the community raises awareness, and when people understand the significance of the items, they may be more inclined to watch for them in unusual places. Public interest can also increase pressure on those in the market for such items, making them less likely to risk buying stolen goods.
Interviewer: Definitely. The more eyes watching, the better the chances of recovery. As this situation unfolds, what advice would you give individuals and collectors on securing their own valuable items?
Dr. Hager: Collectors should take inventory of their items, including photographs, appraisals, and provenance information. They should consider investing in home security systems and insurance that covers theft specifically. Furthermore, they should think about safe storage options such as bank safety deposit boxes or high-security safes for the most treasured items.
Interviewer: Solid advice, Dr. Hager. As always, your insights are invaluable. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this alarming burglary and the implications for the art and jewellery community.
Dr. Hager: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant about the security of cultural treasures.
Interviewer: That’s a wrap for today’s discussion. Thank you for tuning in, and remember to stay informed and engaged with the stories affecting our communities.