Swiss police hunt 2 men after gold heist at museum, in echoes of Louvre robbery

Swiss authorities were searching on Friday for two robbers who overpowered a security guard at an ancient Rome-themed museum in Lausanne, smashed a display case and made off with dozens of gold coins that had been displayed inside. City police said the suspects had bought tickets and waited until other visitors had left shortly before closing time on Thursday. “The two individuals assaulted and overpowered the guard. They then broke into a secured display case and stole several gold coins that were displayed inside,” before fleeing, the police statement said. The 64-year-old guard had activated the museum’s panic alarm, triggering a rapid response by law enforcement, police said. The monetary value of the loot was not immediately revealed, but police said the coins had “archaeological value”. “At this stage, an inventory is under way to determine the exact number of items stolen and to identify any other missing items,” the statement said. The theft comes at a time when gold prices have soared in global markets this year – even if they have dropped off their highs lately – and a high-profile robbery at the Louvre in Paris exposed vulnerabilities and security lapses at museums. Officials said the Lausanne museum employee, a Swiss national, was interviewed by investigators and that he was not injured in the incident. No other people – staff or visitors – were on hand at the time. State prosecutors have opened an investigation. Lausanne city officials filed a legal complaint for damage to the museum, and the regional government – the owner of the gold coins – announced plans to file a criminal complaint. Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse