The archaeological site of Empúries, in northeastern Catalonia, Spain.
Photo: campinglasdunas.com
Spanish police have arrested a French couple for allegedly stealing a number of items from a site of Greek and Roman ruins in Catalonia.
Police were alerted when they noticed a vehicle parked suspiciously on a dirt road leading to the back of the Empúries archaeological site, just outside the town of L’Escala.
The attackers were seated inside the vehicle, which contained two metal detectors, two pickaxes and other tools.
“Given their location, officers searched the vehicle and the two occupants. They found tools used during archaeological excavations,” police explained in a statement on Thursday.
The site contains ancient Greek and Roman ruins as well as a small museum.
Photo: spainisculture.com
“They also found several coins, brooches and other metal objects covered in rust and dirt in the two men’s clothing,” the statement continued.
According to AFP, evidence of digging was found in the area. Police said they counted 33 holes in the ground, many of which appeared to have been dug recently.
The 47-year-old woman and the 31-year-old man, both of French nationality, were arrested and charged with theft and damage to historical heritage.
The Empúries archaeological site includes the ruins of several Greek temples and is also home to a Roman amphitheater and two Roman villas. The site also houses a small museum on Greek and Roman heritage.
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