LONDON: A gang of thieves on Saturday stole an 18-carat gold toilet from anart exhibition at Britain’s Blenheim Palace, police said – causing floodingto the World Heritage Site.
The fully-functioning piece by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, dubbed”America”, was once displayed at New York’s Guggenheim museum and offeredon loan to US President Donald Trump.
A 66-year-old man has been arrested over the theft at the 18th-centurystately home in Oxfordshire, where an exhibition of Cattelan works openedon Thursday.
“The offenders broke into the palace overnight and left the scene at about4.50am (0350 GMT). No-one was injured during the burglary,” local policesaid.
Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: “The piece of art that has been stolenis a high-value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.
“Due to the toilet being plumbed into the building, this has causedsignificant damage and flooding.
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“We believe a group of offenders used at least two vehicles during theoffence.
“The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting athorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice.”
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was closed to the public onSaturday morning due to “an incident”, but later confirmed the theft of theart piece. -APP/AFP
