WWII-era shoes stolen from Majdanek camp

Photo: majdanek.eu

The shoes were probably taken between the 18 and 20 November, and the theft was discovered by a guard while he was doing his regular rounds. It was then that he observed that a wire mesh surrounding one of the displays had been cut open. Upon inspection, it was discovered that eight pairs of shoes had been stolen.

The thief most probably acted during two open days at the camp where as many as 800 people visited the camp, which is now a museum.

Because of the staff shortages at the museum, it is impossible to guard every room in the sprawling camp.

The shoes could potentially have a significant value on the black market.

A sign outside the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp was stolen in 2009, but was found buried in northern Poland two days later. It was restored in 2011.

Majdanek operated between 1941 until it was liberated by Soviet forces in July 1944. It is estimated that Nazi troops killed 78,000 prisoners at the camp. (rg/jb)

Source: IAR