Europol warns of rising violent museum robberies across Europe using explosives and weapons

Museum robberies across Europe are becoming increasingly violent, with criminals using force and explosives to steal high-value items, Europol warned on Monday.

The EU law enforcement agency said recent reports from member states show a rise in the use of sledgehammers, axes, crowbars and even explosives to break into museums or display cases. Europol cited the 2025 robbery at the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, where thieves used explosives to steal Romanian treasures, including the Coțofenești gold helmet, which was later recovered. Another high-profile case was the Louvre heist in Paris, where thieves made off with French crown jewels valued at €88 million.

According to Europol, the shift toward violence may indicate the involvement of criminals with different profiles than traditional art traffickers, who typically avoid confrontation. The agency noted that some low-level perpetrators are being recruited ad hoc through social media, with little prior connection to organized crime networks. “It is possible that the executors of low-level robberies are being recruited randomly,” Europol stated. “Alternatively, some actors and networks, typically active in other criminal markets, have realized the potential of low-risk, high-reward museum heists.”

The agency reported that thieves are increasingly targeting precious metals, gemstones and culturally significant artifacts due to their financial value. The price of gold has surged by 85% over the past two years, making such items particularly attractive, according to the London Bullion Market Association. Europol also highlighted the theft of ancient Chinese ceramics, including 17th-century vases and dishes stolen from the Princessehof Ceramics Museum in Leeuwarden in 2023.

Traditional art theft syndicates often relied on deception and secrecy, with centralized leadership and specialized expertise. In contrast, recent heists have been carried out by decentralized, opportunistic groups operating under a “crime-as-a-service” model, Europol said. The agency added that precious metals can be easily melted down, leaving no trace for law enforcement, while gemstones from jewelry can be removed and sold separately.

Europol’s report follows a series of high-profile incidents, including the January 2025 theft of Dacian treasures from the Drents Museum, where explosives were used to access the exhibits. Three gold bracelets and the Coțofenești helmet were taken, with the helmet and two bracelets later returned to Romania. In October 2025, thieves threatened guards and visitors at the Louvre before stealing jewels, including the tiara of Empress Eugénie.