A brazen theft has shocked patrons of a renowned department store in Tokyo, Japan, after a gold cup valued at more than 10 million yen vanished from an unlocked display box.
The teacup, crafted from pure 24-karat gold, was part of a special exhibition at Takashimaya, a prominent retail chain in the capital.
According to reports, the priceless cup was one of 1,000 rare items showcased for sale, including cups, glazed tea sets, and dinnerware, enticing visitors with its gleaming allure. Sadly, lax security measures allowed a daring thief to snatch the cup unnoticed.
Surveillance footage captured the culprit fleeing the scene with the stolen treasure concealed in a backpack, prompting a frantic search by local authorities. Although efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrator, the incident has prompted Takashimaya to bolster security measures to prevent future thefts.
This isn't the first time such audacious thefts have occurred. In 2019, a one-of-a-kind gold commode worth $1.25 million was stolen from an exhibition at Blenheim Palace, UK. The commode, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, vanished just two days after its installation, leaving authorities baffled.
Reports suggest the thieves used vehicles to transport the commode and even tampered with the palace's drainage system during the heist, causing significant damage to the historic site. As investigations continue, authorities are determined to recover the stolen artifacts and preserve the integrity of cultural heritage worldwide.
