Looters target Myanmar temple treasures in tourist slump

via Bangkok Post, 06 July 2020: With thousands of temples over 40 square miles, policing the archaeological zone is no easy feat. Looting has increased since the economy has tanked during the current pandemic.

But the pandemic has stymied plans to capitalise on Bagan’s new-found status.

The dearth of visitors means temples and hotels lie empty, crushing the livelihoods of locals and opening doors to opportunistic burglars.

In a spate of break-ins across the holy site in early June, robbers looted 12 different temples, swiping a range of relics, including copper stupas, ancient coins and jade jewellery.

Source: Looters target Myanmar temple treasures in tourist slump