[MSN] INTERPOL have joined an international search for an ancient stone artefact stolen from the Barbar Temple. The object went missing despite the fact that it would have taken at least six people to carry it and the ancient site is guarded round the clock.

[MSN]

Interpol hunts for relic thieves
By REBECCA TORR
Published: 8th February 2008

INTERPOL have joined an international search for an ancient stone artefact stolen from the Barbar Temple, the GDN has learned. The object went missing despite the fact that it would have taken at least six people to carry it and the ancient site is guarded round the clock, said sources at the Culture and National Heritage Sector. Authorities believe they have identified potential masterminds behind the theft and are now trying to trace them, they added.

It is thought the 3,500-year-old artefact was hauled away by a gang of hired thieves, who were commissioned to take it by a third party.

There is also concern that a similar incident could follow, even though it is rare for such thefts to occur in Bahrain, and authorities are now planning to beef up security at the country's heritage sites.

The stolen item is described as a large and very heavy bowl-like artefact, which is thought to have once contained water and been used for ritual purposes.

However, it is not a vase that has appeared in some newspaper reports and which is still on display at Bahrain National Museum.

"Usually these people are commissioned to do this type of thing and the person we believe had a special interest," sources told the GDN yesterday.

"We are focusing on a couple of individuals that would have an interest in this.

"We have informed the police and they are trying to trace it.

"Interpol are involved, an international search has been launched and pictures of the item have gone to airports and other places.

"The search is just in case and its usual practice whenever a cultural artefact is stolen - it's not a rare thing."

The theft of the national treasure has puzzled officials because the Barbar site is guarded by security around the clock.

"It's very unusual for an object like this to disappear under guarded protection, it's very strange," said the source.

"We are very sorry for this especially because we have been planning to increase security there with better lighting and cameras, but our proposal was not approved by the (Information) Ministry because of financial constraints.

"We are quite confident the object is still in the country because it is difficult to transport. You would need a crane structure or about six to eight strong workers to carry it away."

"We are not aware of a similar incident in the region, but usually once one object disappears another disappears," said sources.

"We have made a new application to the ministry to upgrade security at all sites, so hopefully they will approve it.

"Some of the sites like Barbar have 24-hour security guards and others are fenced off.

"But we want to install cameras and we are also thinking of lighting devices and that react to movement, so at least we can know what happened."

The theft was announced by the Information Ministry earlier this week and minister Jihad Bukamal ordered the formation of a committee to probe the theft.

The committee is headed by Under-Secretary Hamad Al Manaie and includes legal adviser Abdulqader Aqeel.

It will investigate the incident and pinpoint shortcomings in protecting the temple's archaeological treasures.

The committee has been given the authority to summon any employee of the Cultural and National Heritage Sector to obtain information and visit the temple.

It also has the power to seek help from individuals inside and outside the ministry before submitting a report on the incident later this month. becky at gdn.com.bh

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