Shocking footage captured the moment thieves stole a $6,012,277 million gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, leaving viewers stunned.
Shocking CCTV footage reveals the moment thieves stole a gold toilet worth $6,012,277 million from Blenheim Palace. The fully functional, 18-carat gold toilet was part of an exhibition in 2019.
The heist caught on camera
The footage, shown to jurors, captures two cars speeding across the palace lawn in the early hours of 14 September 2019.
Three men entered the historical house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Within five minutes, they reappeared, rolling the golden toilet away.
While, The 98kg toilet caused the blue VW Golf’s suspension to sag under its weight.
A luxurious yet controversial artwork
Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan created the artwork, titled “America”.
It was installed at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Critics viewed the piece as satire on wealth and excess.
Before the theft, Edward Spencer-Churchill, half-brother of the Duke of Marlborough, dismissed concerns about security. He told *The Times*: “It’s plumbed in, and a thief wouldn’t know who last used it or what they ate. So no, I don’t plan to guard it.”
Security chased the thieves on foot
Palace security guards, watching the events on CCTV, pursued the thieves on foot as they sped away. The stolen toilet was reportedly broken up and sold for scrap.
After the incident, suspects are facing trial for the high-profile theft.
Michael Jones, 39, has pleaded not guilty to stealing the artwork. Frederick Sines, 36, also known as Frederick Doe, and Bora Guccuk, 41, deny conspiring to transfer criminal property.
The prosecution alleges that Jones planned the burglary while Sines and Guccuk helped sell the stolen gold.
The court heard that thieves broke through locked wooden gates, forced their way inside, and removed the toilet, leaving water gushing from the pipes.
Prosecutor Julian Christopher KC stated: “Such an audacious raid would not have been possible without extensive preparation.”
A social media user shared the CCTV footage online.
The shocking incident quickly went viral, leaving many viewers stunned and sparking widespread discussionOne person said: If that was solid gold he wouldn’t be carrying it that easily.
A second wrote: Good shame on them for having a toilet that cost that much money The people’s money.
While a third commented: The money they will make when they melt it down is pure jealousy.
Another added: Good luck selling that thing now that’s it’s all over the news.
Someone else said: I feel I’ve missed an opportunity now I’m gutted!! I would of melted with it down and lived happy ever after !!
Within days, two suspects allegedly contacted a Hatton Garden jeweller using the codeword “car.” The court also heard that Jones made two reconnaissance visits to the palace before the heist.
The trial continues as authorities investigate the fate of the stolen gold toilet.