An early-morning heist at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, Moreton Bay, near Brisbane, saw a thief break a window and escape with valuable artifacts.

In a Facebook post, the museum expressed its heartbreak over the incident, stating that several cherished Egyptian artifacts had been stolen. “We are devastated to inform you that the museum was broken into last night,” the post read.

The museum assured the public that it is collaborating closely with the Queensland Police Service in efforts to recover the stolen items.

Known as a “treasure trove of world history,” the museum captivates visitors of all ages with its extensive collections.

The museum’s Egyptian collection includes items such as predynastic stone tools and pottery, Dynastic amulets, jewelry, figurines, painted panels, ceramics, and a “wonderful gilt cartonnage mask.”

Among the stolen pieces were the gilt cartonnage mask, jewelry, and a statue, leaving a significant gap in the museum’s collection.

Cartonnage is a type of material used in ancient Egyptian funeral masks.

“Initial investigations indicate at approximately 3am, a man smashed a window of The Abbey Place property and took a quantity of priceless Egyptian artifacts before leaving the scene,” Queensland Police said.

Police are appealing for information.

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