Jackson memorabilia 'stolen and auctioned'

A US businessman claims part of his collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia was stolen from a storage facility and auctioned without his knowledge, it was revealed today.

North Las Vegas police said today that they were investigating after Henry Vaccaro filed a police report on July 31 alleging that his storage facility in southern Nevada was broken into and valuable items relating to the late Prince of Pop were missing.

The auction happened five days earlier, on July 26.

Clark County Public Auction owner Mario Trabado said he auctioned Jackson items he bought legally from an unidentified private collector.

He said the sale raised about $37,000.

Mr Vaccaro, 69, lives in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

He told The Associated Press that lyrics, notebooks and costumes he obtained years ago were among the missing items.