Theft of gold toilets: the security of Blenheim Palace must be disputed

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The security measures of the Blenheim Palace "must be called into question" after theft of an 18-carat gold toilet in the imposing home, announced its managing director.

Dominic Hare said that a gang "had organized a very fast raid" at the Oxfordshire Palace on Saturday morning.

The work – which, according to Hare, was worth between $ 5 million and $ 6 million – was not found.

Last month, Edward Spencer-Churchill – half-brother of the current Duke of Marlborough – said the restrooms would be "not the easiest thing to replace."

A 66-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the robbery, the Thames Valley police said.

He remains in custody in the West Mercia area.

The fully functional toilet – titled America – was on display at the 18th century palace on Thursday as part of an exhibition of Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan.

Visitors had been invited to book slots of three minutes to use the throne for its purposes.

The burglary caused "significant damage and flooding" because the toilets were installed in the building, police said.

Mr. Hare told BBC Live 5 that it was the "first such flight in a living memory" in the stately home – the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill – adding that She had a "sophisticated security system".

"But what happened happened," he said.

"So it's clear that we have to challenge ourselves."

& # 39; American Dream & # 39;

The Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site, was closed on Saturday after the burglary but reopened on Sunday.

Mr Hare said that the artwork – which had been offered to US President Donald Trump in 2017 – was a "commentary on the American dream".

"[It’s] the idea of ​​something that is incredibly valuable and that the elite is made accessible, potentially to everyone, because we all have to leave when we have to leave, "he said.

"And it's ironic that two days after this was made accessible, he was kidnapped."

Mr. Hare stated that he was "not out of the question" [the toilet] would be melted "by thieves.

Police said the thieves used at least two vehicles during the raid and urged anyone with information to contact him.

Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: "We are following a number of investigations and the police will continue to be present in and around the Blenheim Palace as our investigations continue.

"We are making every effort to locate the offenders and the stolen toilets."