Rembrandt Stolen in Thomas Crown-Like Heist

Monday, 15 August 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Everybody sticks those miniature bottles of shampoo in their bags…but a Rembrandt? The LA Times says a small pen-and-ink drawing, estimated to be worth $250,000, was stolen from the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Ray hotel over the weekend. Police believe it to be a “carefully planned heist” involving several people. In a scene straight out of the “Thomas Crown Affair,” the painting was stolen in a 15 minute interval while the curator was distracted by a mysterious guest. Authorities believe the distracting guest was part of the heist. Rembrandts and Picassos are the most popular artists to steal, say experts, because of their name recognition.