[MSN] Burglars hit U-M gem displays. Semi-precious stones gems worth ten of thousands of dollars were stolen apparently in a couple of burglaries over the weekend at the University of Michigan.

[MSN]

Burglars hit U-M gem displays
Posted by Art Aisner | The Ann Arbor News March 19, 2008 09:53AM

Geology department display cases found broken; semiprecious stones missing

By ART AISNER
The Ann Arbor News

Semi-precious stones gems worth ten of thousands of dollars were stolen apparently in a couple of burglaries over the weekend at the University of Michigan.

A thief or thieves smashed display cases in the U-M geology department and took a collection of rare and common rocks and unprocessed minerals that had been mined in the 1800s, University of Michigan Police said. A $1,000 reward for information related to the theft is being offered.

The majority of the 68 samples were discovered missing from broken display cases on the third floor of the C.C. Little Building at 425 E. University Ave. by a deliveryman at about 5 a.m. Monday, said Lt. Robert Neumann.

The collection had been on display for at least 11 years.

The dollar value associated with the stolen articles is undetermined but is expected to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, Neumann said.

"The gems themselves are not particularly valuable, but it's the collection and the trouble of putting it together. The educational value is more significant than anything," Neumann said.

Police believe the first break-in occurred between 9 p.m. Friday and the time the gems were reported missing at about 3 p.m. Saturday. One display case had been smashed. Staff removed the remaining exhibits from that case.

Seven other display cases were found broken Monday.

The thief or thieves likely entered through a window found broken on the building's south side, reports said.

Most of the exhibits taken were small pieces, about an inch long or less, Neumann said.

Messages left by The News with the geology department were not returned Tuesday.
Anyone who can provide information is asked to call the department at 734-763-1131 or the tip line at 1-800-863-1355.

Art Aisner can be reached at aaisner at annarbornews.com or 734-994-6823.

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