ArtDependence | Dutch Police share Identities and Photos of Two Suspects in Drents Museum Burglary

Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Dutch police is seeking more information about the whereabouts of two arrested suspects following a burglary at the Drents Museum on the morning of Saturday, January 25.

A number of objects from the exhibition Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver have been stolen, including the masterpiece the golden Helmet of Coțofenești, c.a. 450 BC, a loan from the National History Museum of Romania. Finding them remains the top priority for both the police and the Public Prosecution Service.

As part of the investigation, the police are now publicly sharing the identities and photos of two suspects in the hope of gathering more information about where they were and who they were in contact with after the heist. This information could provide clues about the current location of the stolen artworks.

The suspects have been identified as Douglas Chesley Wendersteyt and Bernhard Zeeman, both from Heerhugowaard, Netherlands. The identity of a third suspect, a woman from Heerhugowaard, has not yet been disclosed.

The police began tracking the suspects after discovering a bag left behind in Assen. Clothing was also found inside the bag. The police have now released photos of the bag and clothing, as well as the exact location where the bag was found.

In addition to information about the suspects, bag, and clothing, the police are also seeking details about a black Ford Transit van. Investigators have determined that one or more of the suspects may have used this van (license plate V-586-KR) shortly after the burglary.

The police are asking for any information about this Ford Transit van and whether anyone saw it after the burglary. This could provide valuable insights into the suspects' movements.

Previously, the police had already asked for public assistance regarding a VW Golf with a stolen license plate (K-813-BK), which was used by the suspects to flee the museum.

For more information, including photos of the suspects, the black Ford Transit, and the found bag and clothing, visit the official investigation page:

➡ www.politie.nl/assen-nl.

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