More than 30 works - worth an estimated 180,000 euros (S$364,900) - were stolen, apparently between Wednesday afternoon and lunchtime on Thursday, police spokesman Claudia Schweiger said. The artwork was taking from the Fasanengalerie, a private gallery near western Berlin's central shopping district.

The etchings, prints and sculptures included Profil Au Fond Noir, a 1947 work by Picasso; Nude In A Rocking Chair, a Matisse print from 1913; and Le Boupeut, a 1962 colour print by Georges Braque.

The gallery's owner discovered the loss New Year's Day, having found signs the door had been pried open, police said. Given the number of works stolen and the weight of the sculptures, two or more people probably were involved, police said in a statement. -- AP