NCJ Number
187830
Date Published
October 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper explores numerous issues related to art crime and its prevention in Australia.
Abstract
Although art crime generally includes the theft and forgery of paintings, photographs, sculptures, works in glass, ceramics, and antiquities, as well as the propensity to engage in money laundering, it is primarily the theft and forgery of paintings that is of concern in Australia. The unique character of Australian paintings, the small size of the art market, and its geographical isolation protects Australia from much of the dynamics that operate internationally. The Aboriginal art industry, with a turnover of hundreds of millions of dollars every year, is a major component of the Australian art market, particularly in terms of the overseas demand for Aboriginal works. Even though the art market in Australia is vigorous and generally relatively free of illegal activity, it is because of the small size of the art market that there is a need to consider in more detail the possible impact of theft and forgery. In the case of forgery, rumors of suspect works of established artists circulate rapidly, and this can have a devastating effect both on the sale of artwork by the same artists as well as on the dealer. In terms of Aboriginal art, allegations of forgery can also be disastrous. Situational crime prevention is the most relevant strategy for protecting the Australian art market from both theft and fraud. Situational crime prevention refers to interventions designed to reduce the opportunities for crime and increase the risk and difficulty of offending. 22 references