NCJ Number
19984
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Issue: 285 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1975) Pages: 51-58
Date Published
1975
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF THEFTS OF WORKS OF ART, THE METHODS OF OBTAINING AND DISPOSING OF STOLEN WORKS OF ART, AND THE MUSEUM'S ROLE IN PREVENTION OF ART THEFTS ARE EXPLORED.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR STATES THAT THIEVES ARE COMPOSED OF THREE MAIN GROUPS: PROFESSIONAL THIEVES WHO SPECIALIZE IN STEALING WORKS OF ART, LESS WELL-ORGANIZED THIEVES WHO TAKE ALL TYPES OF VALUABLES, INCLUDING ART, AND DISHONEST ANTIQUE AND ART DEALERS. IT IS NOTED THAT MUSEUMS MAY HAVE TWO ROLES IN THE TRANSFER OF STOLEN ART WORKS THAT OF VICTIM, AND THAT OF RECEIVER. THE PREVENTION STEPS WHICH MUSEUMS MAY TAKE TO AVOID BOTH THESE ROLES ARE OUTLINED. THESE INCLUDE INSTITUTING PROPER SECURITY MEASURES, COOPERATION WITH OTHER MUSEUMS, EXTENSIVE COLLABERATION BETWEEN MUSEUMS AND THE POLICE IN THE EVENT OF THEFT, CAREFUL PURCHASING TO AVOID RECEIVING STOLEN ARTICLES, AND AVOIDANCE OF OVERPRICING OF WORKS OF ART, SINCE THIS ENCOURAGES ART SPECULATION AND THEFTS.