Hapless burglars thwarted by combine harvester

Stealing Viking gold was not the doddle thieves expected

On Sunday night, thieves broke into Danmarks Borgcenter in Vordingborg and stole some of the priceless artefacts on display there as part of the Vikingernes Metropol exhibition.

One of the objects was a replica of the unique Hiddensee jewel, which had been lent to the exhibition by Stralsund Museum in Germany, where the original article is revered as being as precious as Denmark’s famed golden horns, Ekstra Bladet reports.

As well as the jewel, the burglars took a number of other objects, including the moulds used to cast the original jewel.

It’s a fair cop!
Coincidentally, shortly after the theft, a police patrol noticed a car speeding away towards a bridge close-by. The police were engaged in escorting an extra wide combine harvester across the bridge and had set up a barrier.

“There was a car that drove through the police barrier. It couldn’t get far, as the combine harvester was crossing the bridge,” said a police spokesperson, Peter Damsgaard.

“When the car stopped, a man got out and crawled onto the underneath of the bridge. That looked suspicious, so more police were sent for.”

The items have been recovered in good condition and the thieves are now in custody.

“The objects that we have on loan are priceless. We’re extremely glad that they’ve been returned safely,” said Thomas Pedersen from Danmarks Borgcenter.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.