Woman's Call Alerts Police to Stolen Paintings in Messina
Listen to the story
A phone call to Italy's emergency number 112 has helped police learn about a theft at a museum in Messina, Sicily.
In the call, a woman said, "There are paintings in the street, and they are precious." She was describing what she saw outside.
The paintings belonged to Antonello da Messina, a well-known Renaissance artist from the 15th century. They had been stolen from a museum in the city.
It seems the thief or thieves left the paintings in the street after taking them from the museum. Police are now investigating how this happened.
The recording of the woman's call has been shared publicly. It shows how her quick action alerted authorities to the crime.
Antonello da Messina's works are considered very valuable, both because of their historical importance and their artistic quality.
Police in Messina are working to find out who stole the paintings and why they were left outside instead of being taken away completely.
This case has drawn attention because it involves the loss, and partial recovery, of important cultural artworks connected to the city's history.
Investigators are also checking security at the museum to understand how the theft could have taken place undetected.
Vocabulary10 words
- theft
- the act of stealing something
- precious
- very valuable; worth a lot
- Renaissance
- a period in history known for great art in Europe
- recording
- a saved copy of sound, like a phone call
- authorities
- people in charge, like the police
- historical
- connected to the past
- investigating
- trying to find out facts about something
- security
- the protection of a place from danger or crime
- cultural
- related to art, history, and traditions
- undetected
- not noticed or seen
Quiz
Answer key
1. 112 2. Antonello da Messina 3. In the street
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A phone call to Italy's emergency number _____ has helped police learn about a _____ at a museum in Messina, Sicily.
In the call, a woman said, "There are paintings in the street, and they are _____."
The paintings belonged to Antonello da Messina, a well-known _____ artist from the 15th century.
It seems the thief or thieves left the paintings in the street after taking them from the _____.
The _____ of the woman's call has been shared publicly, showing how her quick action alerted _____ to the crime.
Police in Messina are working to find out who stole the paintings and why they were left _____ instead of being taken away completely.
This case has drawn attention because it involves the loss, and partial recovery, of important _____ artworks connected to the city's history.
Investigators are also checking _____ at the museum to understand how the theft could have taken place _____.