Museum thieves grow violent, using tools and even dynamite in raids

Museums are no longer safe havens for quiet contemplation of art and artifacts. Thieves are escalating their tactics, moving from discreet nighttime operations to brazen, violent raids during operating hours.

“

Their modus operandi fits Europol's latest report on museum heists.

Europol reports a disturbing trend: museum thefts are becoming increasingly aggressive. This marks a significant departure from the past, when such crimes were often characterized by stealth and careful planning, with thieves replacing stolen items with replicas or operating under the cover of night. Now, perpetrators are using tools like sledgehammers, crowbars, baseball bats, and even explosives.

This escalation is fueled by a lucrative black market for stolen cultural goods. The high profitability of these heists attracts not only specialized art thieves but also individuals involved in other criminal activities, contributing to the increased violence. Europol notes that ad-hoc groups, sometimes recruited online, are also participating in these sophisticated operations.

“

Raids on museums worldwide have become targeted and more aggressive, a significant change in the method for this type of property crime, which was considered non-violent.

The recent theft of a diamond necklace, featuring 673 diamonds totaling over 200 carats, from Vienna's Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) exemplifies this new wave of crime. The necklace, once owned by Egyptian Queen Nazli and valued at €4.3 million, was stolen in minutes by two individuals who smashed display glass during opening hours.

“

It is increasingly common for thieves to use hammers, explosives, and even firearms in their raids.

Europol's findings highlight a global phenomenon, with targeted raids becoming more common and involving serious criminal networks. The agency warns that the focus is shifting towards valuable precious metal items, gemstones, and cultural artifacts, indicating a concerning evolution in the nature of museum crime.

“

The black market for the resale of cultural goods is developed, stolen items from museums are relatively easy to sell, and the profit for criminals is huge.