Arabs stealing antiquities is a common phenomenon; getting caught - less so
Nature guides from the Gush Etzion Field School came across an area Arab stealing antiquities by using a metal detector to discover antique coins in Tel Fuar. After a brief chase, they were able to catch the man caught in an act which is quite common, while catching the thieves is far less common.
The practice is so common that a separate department has been established in the Ministry of Antiquities to deal with this theft of Israel's national treasures.
It should be noted that it is not uncommon to find such valuable antiquities as "stara drachma" from the days of Bar Cochba. The Field School conducts regular night time reconnaissance to try to stem the tide of thievery but only rarely is able to catch the thieves.
