Unknown thieves steal fossils from 25 display cases in Bonn

An investigation is underway after unknown individuals stole fossils and other valuable exhibits from the Goldfuss Museum at the University of Bonn. The crime spree is believed to have occurred over the past two and a half years, coinciding with renovations at the Institute of Geology in Bonn-Poppelsdorf.

Museum staff discovered the theft recently when wooden casings, installed at the start of the renovation work in 2023, were removed. A total of 25 display cases were found to have been broken into, with their contents missing. Authorities have not yet identified any signs of forced entry, and are working to determine how the perpetrators gained access to the building.

University officials have made a list of the stolen items available on their website and are urging the public to report any suspicious activity or offers to buy the stolen artifacts. Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have observed unusual occurrences between December 2023 and July 2026, hoping to recover the stolen fossils and exhibits.