NCJ Number
51725
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (1978) Pages: 291-298
Date Published
1978
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE THEFT OF VALUABLE CULTURAL ARTIFACTS IS A GROWING PROBLEM, AND THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF A SEMINAR DESIGNED TO ACQUAINT LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITH RELEVANT FACTS ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE SEMINAR, HELD IN CANADA FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANADIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL, COVERED A 3-DAY PERIOD. THE INSTRUCTORS AT THE SEMINAR STATED THAT THE THEFT OF ART OBJECTS IS INCREASING THROUGHOUT THE WORLD DUE TO THE PHENOMENAL RISE IN THE PRICE OF ART. THEFTS OF CULTURAL ARTIFACTS IN CANADA HAVE OCCURRED, FOR THE MOST PART, FROM UNIVERSITY COLLECTIONS, PRIVATE HOMES, AND ANTIQUE SHOPS. THIEVES WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES: (1) FULLY FLEDGED--THOSE WHO STEAL FOR RANSOM OR INSURANCE NEGOTIATIONS; (2) POT-LUCK--THOSE WHO STEAL FROM PRIVATE RESIDENCES AND SEIZE ITEMS AT RANDOM; AND (3) DISHONEST DEALERS--THOSE WHO RECEIVE STOLEN GOODS OR COMMIT THE OFFENSE THEMSELVES, INTENDING TO RESELL THE STOLEN OBJECTS. MOST THEFTS OCCURRED WHILE PREMISES WERE UNOCCUPIED. THE STOLEN PROPERTY WAS HANDLED MOST FREQUENTLY THROUGH A 'LAUNDERING' PROCESS WHEREBY THE STOLEN OBJECT MOVES QUICKLY THROUGH SEVERAL HANDS AND EVEN SEVERAL COUNTRIES TO THE UNWARY BUYER. THIS PROCESS CAN OCCUR EASILY BEFORE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE STOLEN OBJECT CAN BE DISSEMINATED WIDELY. CUSTOMS CONTROL WAS DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE MANY TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED FOR PASSING THE ARTICLE THROUGH CUSTOMS AND THE GENERAL LACK OF ART KNOWLEDGE AMONG CUSTOMS OFFICIALS. TO FACILITATE RECOVERY OF STOLEN ART, A 1971 UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION WAS RECOMMENDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN NATIONAL LEGISLATION. CANADA HAS PASSED BILL C-33, WHICH PROVIDES FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROLS ON WORKS OF ART AND REQUIRES THE REPATRIATION OF STOLEN WORKS OF ART TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. MOST COUNTRIES HAVING LEGISLATION IN THIS AREA PROVIDE COMPENSATION FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASE STOLEN ARTIFACTS IN 'GOOD FAITH.' THE USE OF INTERPOL FACILITIES WAS DISCUSSED IN THE COURSE OF CONSIDERING INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES, AND TOURS WERE CONDUCTED OF AN ART MUSEUM AND A DIAMOND COMPANY TO GAIN VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN THESE ENTERPRISES. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)