[MSN] MORE than $100, 000 worth of rare Aboriginal art destined for a New York exhibition was stolen from a Melbourne gallery early yesterday.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

 Raid nabs $100,000 of rare art

15feb06

MORE than $100,000 worth of rare Aboriginal art destined for a New York
exhibition was stolen from a Melbourne gallery early yesterday.

	

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Staff at the Aboriginal Gallery of Australia in Spring St arrived at work to
find the glass front door smashed and about 15 uninsured paintings missing.

Gallery director Maryanne Hollow said the thieves, who struck about 3.30am,
knew what they were after.

Ms Hollow said they had taken some of the most exclusive and important
works.

"There's security camera footage of them smashing in the door and walking
out with certain paintings under their arms," she said.

"They were in and out really quickly."

One piece, by deceased artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye, was chosen for display
at the New York exhibition and is worth between $50,000 and $60,000.

"The Emily was painted in Alice Springs and it's very dear," Ms Hollow said.

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000. 

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/