Museum thefts across Europe are becoming increasingly brazen, with a rise in forceful tactics and a focus on high-value items, according to the European policing agency (Europol). The agency warned last month that such thefts were growing.
Earlier this week, thieves stole four paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir from a French museum. Two of these paintings were quickly recovered after being dropped in the museum garden. The theft reportedly took five minutes.
Europol stated that the number of museum theft cases reported to them across Europe began to increase approximately two years ago. Its recent report indicates that both the methods and targets are changing, with offenders using tools such as sledgehammers, axes, crowbars, and in some instances, explosives.
Internationally known art detective Arthur Brand predicted to the BBC that more high-profile burglaries were likely, particularly following the robbery at the Louvre in Paris last October. Jewellery worth €88m (£75m) was stolen from the Louvre and has not yet been recovered.
Museums are considered vulnerable and easy to burgle compared to well-secured jewellery shops and banks, according to Brand. He added that directors historically "never have enough money for security" and museums are often housed in old buildings that are difficult to protect.
While paintings are still taken, they are harder to sell. Around 10 years ago, thieves began shifting to goods that are easier to get rid of, Brand said. Europol's report indicates that precious metals, gemstones, and culturally significant artefacts, including Chinese porcelain, are increasingly targeted.