Priceless Egyptian Artifacts Stolen in Queensland Museum Heist
Caboolture, Queensland – A brazen overnight break-in at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, has resulted in the theft of several priceless Egyptian artifacts. Police are appealing for public assistance to recover the stolen items and identify the perpetrator.
The incident occurred around 3:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026, when a man smashed a window to gain entry to the museum. According to police, the intruder stole a quantity of artifacts before fleeing the scene. The Abbey Museum, described as “a treasure trove of world history,” houses a significant collection of Egyptian antiquities.
Among the stolen treasures are a mummy mask and an ancient necklace, both considered historically and culturally significant. Other items taken include a statue of a cat and a bust, as well as jewelry. The museum team expressed their devastation on Facebook, stating they were “devastated to advise that the Museum was broken into last night, and several of our precious Egyptian artefacts have been taken.”
The museum’s Egypt collections encompass a wide range of items, including predynastic stone tools and pottery, Dynastic amulets, figurines, painted panels, ceramics, and a “wonderful gilt cartonnage mask” – a type of material used in ancient Egyptian funeral masks. This mask was reportedly among the items stolen.
Queensland Police are currently investigating the break-in and have released images of the stolen artifacts in an effort to track them down. Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around 3:00 AM on Friday, or who has information regarding the stolen property or those involved, to come forward.
Police are also asking the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the artifacts being offered for sale online, including on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers immediately.
The Abbey Museum will remain open to the public on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with some adjustments to the Egyptian display. The museum is working closely with the Queensland Police Service to facilitate the recovery of the stolen objects.
“We are working closely with Queensland Police Service in the hopes to retrieve our objects,” the museum stated on Facebook.
