Gold Toilet Valued At $5 Million Stolen From Art Exhibit In England

Police in England have launched a search for robbers who stole an 18-carat gold toilet over the weekend.

The theft occurred early Saturday morning when the toilet was stolen from an art exhibit at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Thames Valley Police were notified of the theft around 5 a.m. local time, though investigators determined the burglars escaped shortly before police were notified. Blenheim Palace subsequently remained closed Saturday as police investigated.

The solid gold toilet is known as “America” and has been featured in exhibits around the world. It was part of a larger art exhibition being held to show the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, which had opened on Thursday. The toilet was also installed into the building’s plumbing, making it a fully-functioning appliance.

It was previously shown in New York City’s Guggenheim Museum as part of another exhibit in 2018. The Washington Post also reported that an offer had been made to President Trump to have it temporarily installed in the White House for personal use. Trump ultimately turned down the offer.

The toilet is reportedly valued at over $5 million.

“Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding,” Detective Inspector Jess Milne said in a statement. “We believe a group (of) offenders used at least two vehicles during the offense.”

While the suspects are still at large, police did reportedly arrest a 66-year-old man in connection with the toilet theft.