The Mystery of the Lost Painting
Last month, a famous painting was stolen from the Modern Art Museum in the city center. The painting, which was painted by the renowned artist Maria Santos in 1987, is valued at over two million dollars.
The theft was discovered early on Tuesday morning when the security guard was doing his regular rounds. The alarm system had been disabled somehow, and the cameras were turned off between 2:00 and 4:00 AM. Police believe the painting was taken during this time period.
Detective Johnson, who has been assigned to the case, told reporters that several clues have been found at the scene. Fingerprints were collected from the glass display case, and footprints were photographed near the emergency exit. “The investigation is being conducted very carefully,” he said. “We believe the thief will be caught soon.”
The museum’s director explained that new security measures are being installed this week. “Additional cameras will be placed in every room, and more guards will be hired,” she announced. The museum was closed for three days but has been reopened to the public since Friday.
Meanwhile, art experts believe the painting cannot be sold easily because it is known worldwide. “Stolen famous artworks are usually kept hidden for many years,” explained Dr. Williams, an art history professor. “They are sometimes returned anonymously when the thieves realize they cannot profit from them.”
The police are asking anyone with information to contact them immediately. A reward of $50,000 has been offered for information leading to the painting’s recovery.
π§ Key Vocabulary
- renowned (adjective) – famous and respected
- valued (verb, passive) – estimated to be worth (money)
- theft (noun) – the crime of stealing
- assigned (verb, passive) – given a particular job or responsibility
- clues (noun) – pieces of evidence that help solve a mystery
- fingerprints (noun) – marks left by fingers that can identify a person
- conducted (verb, passive) – carried out or performed
- installed (verb, passive) – put in place and made ready for use
- anonymously (adverb) – without revealing one’s name or identity
- profit (verb) – make money from something
- recovery (noun) – the act of getting something back