Tourists Stealing Historical Artifacts and Signs: What Not to Take Home

europe - Tourists are taking historical cobblestones, stones, and signs as souvenirs, causing damage and facing legal consequences in various European destinations like Bruges and Sardinia.

Tourists Stealing Historical Artifacts and Signs

About 27,000 tourists walk on Bruges' famous cobblestones daily, with 50 to 70 stones disappearing monthly. The trend extends to locations like Sardinia and Austria, with tourists facing legal consequences for taking artifacts.

Bruges: Cobblestones Theft

Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North,' faces cobblestone theft, mainly in tourist spots like Minnewater and Vismarkt. The theft not only erases history but also poses safety risks and additional costs for restoration.

Sardinia: Stone Smuggling

In Sardinia, tourists attempt to take stones and sand as souvenirs, including archeologically valuable materials. Theft of stones, stalactites, and seashells leads to arrests and fines up to 3000 euros.

Legal Consequences

Several tourists faced legal actions for artifact theft, with some detained and fined heavily. In Turkey, a Belgian tourist spent time in prison for taking stones with archeological significance.

Protecting Nature and Heritage

Theft extends to signposts like in Austria and the Netherlands, prompting preventive measures like renaming villages. Travelers are urged to respect local laws and preserve nature and heritage.