The Italian Police force tasked with protecting the country’s cultural heritage, has confiscated ancient Roman coins and other historical artefacts from a private residence in Perugia.

In total 13 coins and various other archaeological artefacts were confiscated. Their owner was charged with illegal possession of cultural objects and violation of the laws surrounding excavations. Police also confiscated two portable metal detectors which they believed had been used to recover the artefacts in agricultural areas across the Umbria region. Italy became the first country in the world to create a specialized police force to combat cultural crimes back in 1969. Its officers not only track down stolen treasures but have recently worked on securing and restoring the artworks threatened by the earthquakes in parts of Le Marche and Lazio last year.

(after The Local & Carabinieri del Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale)