Four men have been convicted in Denmark for stealing 78 designer chairs from seven churches near Horsens in 2022. The thefts included highly valued Kaare Klint and Børge Mogensen chairs, known for their distinctive design and craftsmanship.
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All four were found guilty of burglarising Ørslev Church in Hovedgård, where 22 Kaare Klint chairs were taken. One of the men was also convicted in relation to a theft at Hvirring Church involving seven more Kaare Klint chairs. However, all were acquitted of charges related to a burglary at Gangsted Church, where four Børge Mogensen chairs were stolen.
Two of the men were also convicted of additional burglaries at Føvling, Tolstrup, Hampen and Hammer churches. One of them stole two heat pumps valued at over 86,000 kroner, while another helped with one of the thefts.
Sentences ranged from suspended terms to prison time. The heaviest sentence was one year and two months, with six months to be served. Another man received a three-month suspended sentence, while the remaining two received longer, combined sentences due to prior offences, including community service and suspended time.
The Horsens District Court awarded 15,000 kroner in damages to each of the affected churches and parish councils to offset their insurance deductibles.
The case highlights the vulnerability of cultural and religious institutions to targeted thefts, especially those involving valuable heritage furniture. The convicted men have the option to appeal the verdict.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk