WENDOVER, Utah — Authorities are asking for help identifying the person(s) responsible for theft and vandalism at an archaeological site near Wendover.

According to Utah State Parks, the thief or thieves broke into the Danger Cave State Park Heritage Site and stole everything inside, including educational artifacts, lighting and safety equipment.

"Everything. They took everything that was in there," said Justina Parsons-Bernstein, the Heritage Resource Manager for Utah State Parks.

The teaching artifacts included an ancient projectile and a piece of a woven basket. Fortunately, most of the truly pristine artifacts were excavated and moved to the Natural History Museum at the University of Utah.

“It’s a breach of our shared heritage, that someone thinks they can go in and damage and steal something that we are supposed to protect for all of us," Parsons-Bernstein said. “There’s been human habitation in Danger Cave for over 11,000 years."

The caves are gated, but sometime between closing time Tuesday and opening Saturday, someone got in. Police are following up on several leads. They are also asking for the public for tips. Anyone with possible information about the incident is asked to contact Parsons-Bernstein at 801-889-7209 or jparsonsbernstein@utah.gov.