The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology has shared its response following a brazen overnight break-in at its Caboolture premises this February in which a collection of priceless Egyptian artefacts was stolen and recovered within 24 hours.
Read: Caboolture Museum Theft Sees Egyptian Artefacts Recovered And Man Charged
It was just after 3am on Friday, 13 February, when police alleged a man smashed a window at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture and made off with a collection of Egyptian artefacts. By the following evening, he was in handcuffs on Russell Island, the last missing piece still in his possession.
Officers from the Moreton North Property Crime Taskforce tracked a vehicle of interest as part of the investigation. Around 1.30pm on Valentine’s Day, police located a Toyota HiAce camper in the car park of the Redland Bay ferry terminal and seized it for searching. Inside, detectives found the bulk of the stolen collection, recovered intact, with only minor damage noted. One item, however, remained unaccounted for: a wooden cat sculpture. It wasn’t in the van.
About 7pm that same day, the 52-year-old man, described as being of no fixed address, was arrested on Russell Island and transported to the Cleveland Watchhouse. Police will allege he was found in possession of the missing cat sculpture.
The man has since been charged with entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break, along with three counts of wilful damage in relation to the Caboolture incident.
The charges did not relate solely to the museum break-in. He also faces charges of trespass and assault occasioning bodily harm stemming from a separate incident the day before the museum theft on 12 February at a Hastings Street property in Noosa. Police alleged the man was trespassing on that property and assaulted a resident when asked to leave. The man was scheduled to appear before the Cleveland Magistrates Court on 16 February.
Older than time, back where it belongs
The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology holds around 4,500 objects spanning over a million years of human history. Its collection began in 1934 in England with the Abbey Folk Park, founded by Reverend John Ward, whose vision was to make world history accessible through education.
Each year the museum welcomes more than 10,000 students from over 150 schools, and its Egyptian collection has inspired generations of students and families to explore one of the world’s most fascinating civilisations.
In the wake of the break-in, the museum said it was relieved to have the artefacts returned but noted the recovery process would take time. “While we are relieved and grateful to have the artefacts returned, they cannot immediately go back on display. Each piece must first undergo professional assessment and conservation to protect its long-term future. The exhibition area also sustained damage and will require careful repair and rebuilding before the objects can safely return to display.”
The museum also pointed to a silver lining. “These objects belong to the shared story of our community, and preserving them properly is our highest priority. Although this process will take time, it gives us an opportunity to rebuild the space thoughtfully and respectfully. We look forward to keeping our community updated and to celebrating together when we unveil the restored exhibition in the near future.”
Read: End of an Era: Caboolture Warplane Museum Closes Doors After 30 Years
Wearing their support
The incident sparked what the museum described as an outpouring of community support — and, notably, comments from people saying they had not known the museum existed. In response, the Abbey Museum launched a pre-order campaign for a shirt emblazoned with the message Yes A Museum In Caboolture.
Proceeds will go towards restoration, display upgrades, and the museum’s education department, which connects more than 10,000 students annually to school curriculum through its artefact collection. Shirts are $50 including postage Australia-wide.
Featured image credit: QPS
Published 21-February-2026
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