Head's up, folks! Berlin's finest are on the prowl after a notorious gang swiped a 65,000 euro vase!
What went down?
A gang of crooks smashed their way into the KPM store (Royal Porcelain Manufactory) at Friedrichstraße 158 on the 16th of November. The brazen thieves made off with a fortune in porcelain, but the cherry on top was the "La Belle" baluster vase - a hand-painted beauty worth a small fortune.
It's about 70 cm high, 35 cm wide, and tips the scales around 3 kilos. The signature of the artist can be found at the base, along with the famous KPM mark. Valued at a whopping 65,000 euros, this vase is a true crown jewel in the world of porcelain.
The perpetrators made a clean getaway in a white VW Golf, but the police suspect they ditched the car at Schloßplatz in Mitte. The getaway car met its sweet end in a crash, but our gang of thieves seemed to have disappeared into thin air.
Helping hand wanted!
The Berlin police are asking for the public's help in finding these crafty criminals. If you spotted anyone running away with the "La Belle" vase between 4:20 a.m. and 5 a.m. on November 16, 2023, at Schlossplatz in Mitte, give them a call!
They'd also appreciate any information about the direction of escape or the whereabouts of the suspects, or if someone spotted the white VW Golf on the underground or suburban train. If you have any information about the traffic accident at Schloßplatz, don't hesitate to speak up. Lastly, if you've seen one or more of the suspects or have any relevant information, the police would love to hear from you.
You can contact the police at (030) 4664-944410 or shuffle them an email at [email protected]. You can also drop by any police station or visit their internet watch for additional options.
Worth Reading
- The police have shared the mugs of the suspected thieves in hopes that someone recognizes them and can provide information.
- Following the theft, the police discovered a push-automatic door with visible damage at the Schlossplatz location. It seems likely that the gang made their escape using this method.
- The police have released a public appeal, seeking information about the 'La Belle" baluster vase, which was last seen at the site of the traffic accident and was later discovered inside the push-automatic door of the damaged VW Golf.
Sources:
A word to the wise: If you come across the "La Belle" baluster vase or have any information about the theft, make sure to contact local law enforcement agencies in Berlin, check their press releases and crime reports, or visit art theft databases like IFAR and ALR. Don't forget to scan local news sources and online forums for any updates on the case. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you might just become a hero in this grand pursuit!
