Archaeologist Sara Wisén Saveca found two holes in the ground at the burial site on Tuesday, according to an official. More pits were discovered during the time SVT was present, bringing the number to double-digit figures. The incident has been reported to the county administrative board, and the police will be contacted.
Västerås Museums will conduct an archaeological investigation to document the pits and their number. According to SVT Nyheter, Nina Eklöf described the museum's plan to carry out this documentation. The discovery of new holes in the ground has raised alarms about potential heritage crimes at the site.
We will conduct an archaeological investigation to document the pits and their number.
Just one week after new plundering holes at Anundshög, Västerås Museums is taking action. Archaeologists will examine the field with metal detectors in hopes of understanding what has disappeared. The purpose is to get a picture of what may have disappeared and if any traces remain in the ground.
According to SVT Västmanland, Andreas Hennius described that this effort might reveal whether the theft involved ancient finds or modern scrap. He also noted that it is unusual for a museum to undertake such an investigation, but they are making an attempt despite uncertainties about the outcome. The metal detector examination aims to provide insights into the scale and nature of the losses.
We might get closer to what they took with them – whether it involves ancient finds or modern scrap.
In May last year, the area was subjected to a major attack, according to an official. The investigation into that previous suspected heritage crime is still ongoing, led by NOA and covered by secrecy. This new discovery adds to concerns about the site's vulnerability, though the identity or motive of the perpetrators remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.
The ongoing secrecy around the previous investigation complicates efforts to link the incidents. Answers may begin to become clear in about a week, according to an official. However, the exact number of holes discovered beyond 'double-digit' and the full extent of damage to the archaeological site are still being assessed.
It is unusual for a museum to do this. We don't know what it will yield, but we are making an attempt.
What specific items were stolen or targeted in the plundering has not been determined, leaving key questions unanswered as the investigation progresses. The timeline for the investigation is expected to provide initial findings soon, but many details remain uncertain.