Dulwich Picture Gallery reopens after Rembrandt ‘heist’
One of the world’s oldest galleries has reopened two weeks after an attempt to steal two Rembrandt paintings was foiled by police.
Works by the Dutch master were pulled off the wall of the Dulwich Picture Gallery on November 13 by a thief, but police intercepted him before he could flee with the canvasses.
Quick action by police ensured two pictures in an exhibition were dumped by a robber as they fled into the night.
Police believe the operation to steal from the show, Rembrandt’s Light, with lighting designed by cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, famed for his work on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! had been carefully planned, with some of the paintings being worth millions of pounds.
But the heist, which took place at around 11.30pm, was foiled by a rapid response from Flying Squad cops – one of whom was sprayed in the face by the fleeing thief.
It’s believed the intruder forced entry to the gallery and removed the two paintings.
Officers arrived minutes later and, following a search of the area, discovered an intruder, and an
officer gave chase. The intruder then turned and used a canister to spray the officer in the face with an
unknown substance, fleeing in the process.
The officer escaped serious harm and both paintings were returned to the gallery. Anyone with
information can police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.
Quote CAD 8662/13NOV. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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