Gold, diamonds, silver stolen from UNM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It wasn't fools gold, but the person who pulled a smash and grab at UNM may be a fool.  He thought he was getting away with gold, silver and diamonds, but he may be in for a big surprise.

The Geology Museum at UNM is full of rocks and minerals but it was three small items that caught a thief's attention.

“A small amount of silver, a gold nugget, about a half an ounce, and two uncut diamonds,” UNM Police Lt. Trace Peck said.

It was over the Christmas break and the museum was locked up tight. Cops think the thief used a rock to smash through the front door and then went after the case. The glass is still broken and only the plaques and empty boxes are left.

Whoever stole the gold may be in for a big surprise; they were all in their raw form which means they are not worth a lot of money. If they did try to sell them there is a good chance the buyer would turn the person in.

Much like what happened last winter break when a man made off with a meteorite from the museum just next door to the geology exhibits.

“We were notified immediately by that person who bought it back East,” Peck said.

UNM was able to get the meteorite back and even though these goods are only worth about a thousand dollars; UNM Police are working hard to get them back too.

“There was some physical evidence left behind and that's being examined right now for possible leads,” said Peck.

That includes trying to pull DNA evidence off a glove and a cigarette butt the thief left behind. The museum is open to visitors and police are looking to see if any of the transients who roam UNM had a part in the theft. They are also taking a look at the meteorite thief to see if this was his handywork.