“This is the first time in almost 50 years that this has happened to us”… Four paintings stolen from an exhibition in Nérac

The exhibition of paintings in Henri’s studio was due to close its doors this Thursday, August 29, with the satisfaction of having welcomed almost a thousand visitors during the month of August. But when it was time to tidy up, the volunteers were looking gloomy. Twice in a few days, they were the victims of burglaries.

Last week, one or more thugs made off with the cash register, worth 150 euros. They had broken in through the emergency exit door, located at the back of the Salle des Écuyers, under the Château de Nérac. The members of Henri’s workshop then secured it with a chain. And it was precisely when they saw this door being mistreated again on Tuesday, August 27, that a volunteer understood that they had been burgled again.

A clothing store was also robbed that night

This time, the thieves entered through the main entrance. And when they couldn’t find the cash register, they fell back on the first paintings on display. These were four works by Lysiane Lagauzère, a painter from Agen. Each of the paintings was worth around 500 euros. “This is the first time in almost 50 years of exhibitions that this has happened to us,” sighs president Jean Dupouy. “We hope that the paintings will be returned to us, for their quality, for the sentimental value we have for them and for the artist who is a member of our association.” Since the theft, volunteers have been busy sharing these four paintings on social media in the hope of finding them.

That same night from Monday to Tuesday, businesses in the city centre of Nérac were also victims of burglaries or attempted thefts. This was the case for the D-KA-lé clothing store, located on rue Lafayette. The thieves entered through a window and stole the cash register before the alarm made them flee. The store was the victim of a second attempt the following night, this time unsuccessful. The Nature et Passion store, a little further down the street, was also reportedly the target of an attempt, also unsuccessful.