15 Pieces of Art Stolen from Basilique Saint-Mathurin in Larchant

Case information
Incident date
Country
France
Place
Larchant
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Theft
Religious Freedom / Discrimination
  • Censorship or Removal of Public Christian Symbols
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Josh Applegate on Unsplash

14 paintings and a statue of Christ on the cross were stolen from Basilique Saint-Mathurin in Larchant. While the financial loss was estimated at 25.000 to 30.000 euros, the community also mourned the loss of heritage. The theft could have taken place between August 20 and 29. La Chapelle-de-la-Reine brigade initiated an investigation, supported by the research department of Fointainebleau police.

While the volunteer of the pastoral team who was usually in charge of opening and closing the church was on holiday, a municipal officer took over the task. The volunteer discovered the theft upon her return on August 29th. Mayor Vincent Mevel suspects that the theft might have happened during the bright daylight.

Sources