The eastern German city police headquarters said on Wednesday that they are looking for four suspects in connection with the theft of historic jewels from Dresden Castle.
On Monday, surveillance cameras recorded the break-in of two of the suspects who broke into the Green Vault of the historic complex making off with three jewellery sets studded with precious stones.
The police expressed the belief that two others were stationed outside the building, saying that the investigating team had gathered more than 205 pieces of information.
Previously, the police confirmed that two fires that broke out immediately before and after the theft were linked to the crime.
Green Vault director Dirk Syndram described the break-in as being close to impossible.
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“Our security system was checked four years ago with the result that everything was tip-top, what they did there was almost like ‘Mission Impossible’,’’ Syndram stated.
Syndram expressed surprise at the speed with which the glass on the display case was broken.
“What the security glass supplier told us has not been borne out, because the assumption had been that it would take 15 minutes with an axe to break it,’’ he said.
While the Green Vault remained closed to the public, the wider castle complex reopened on Wednesday.
Visitors were fewer in number than normal, a member of staff at the cash desk said, as forensic experts continued their work in the jewel chamber.
Up to 100 objects may have been stolen from the sets, which consist of clasps, buttons, medals, epaulettes, sashes and ornaments for hats and canes, decorated with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
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Olaf Richter, head of a 20-strong team of investigators said the robbery was extremely well prepared and carried out.
The castle is also home to the famous Numismatic Cabinet, one of the largest collections of coins worldwide and the Dresden Armoury.
NAN
