Videos may show theft of priceless pilgrim guide

'Codex Calixtinus' robbery was commissioned by a collector, police believe

Police on Friday began to go through hundreds of hours of security camera recordings to see if they can determine who stole the priceless Codex Calixtinus from the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

"It is a slow and demanding task, but we believe it could be useful," a high-ranking police officer told EL PAÍS. None of the cameras were inside the room where the codex was kept, but there were some in the cloister and other offices. Police don't know whether the robber passed through those areas before stealing the document, but "it is probable."

Authorities believe that the theft of the 12th-century book, which contains sermons and is a pilgrimage guide of the Camino de Santiago, was a commissioned robbery. Police officers combed the area for clues, including any genetic material the robber may have left.

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The dean of Santiago Cathedral, José María Díaz, looks at a copy of the stolen codex on Thursday.
The dean of Santiago Cathedral, José María Díaz, looks at a copy of the stolen codex on Thursday.EFE
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