HOORN, NETHERLANDS.- Around 20 paintings and several silver items were stolen Sunday at the Westfries Museum in Hoorn. The 17th century paintings are worth around 10 million euros. Among the stolen works were paintings by Jan Rietschoof, Matthias Withoos, Jacob Waben, Jan van Goyen, and Jan Linsenand Herman Henstenburg. The theft was discovered Monday morning when the employees found smashed display cases, broken doors and empty frames. Police think the alarm system was disconnected. A museum spokesman commented that the security system was last checked on Thursday.

A museum spokesman stated, "The heart of our collection is gone, including top artworks of national importance. They were mostly unique pieces which are irreplaceable."