Articles and News
British Museum Calls for Public Help to Locate Stolen Artifacts October 02, 2023 (0 comments)
London, United Kingdom--The British Museum has requested public aid to recover numerous missing artifacts believed to have been stolen.
[Photo by Zhengyang Li]
After disclosing in August that around 2,000 items were missing, recent updates confirm the return of 60 works, with an additional 300 set to be returned soon.
The museum introduced a webpage displaying images of similar items from its collection to aid in identification. Many of the missing pieces are gems and jewelry from the museum's Department of Greece and Rome. All missing items have been listed on the Art Loss Register, an online database. The museum collaborates with gem and jewelry experts globally and has set up an email hotline for the public to provide leads.
As highlighted in a report by CBS, George Osborne, the British Museum's chairman, stated to BBC Radio 4 in August that while some from the ancient community were assisting, others might hold onto stolen items. He acknowledged that more could have been done to prevent these thefts.
Following the theft disclosure, an employee was terminated on suspicions of theft and damaging ancient items. Legal action against this individual is in progress, with the Economic Crime Command branch of the Metropolitan Police investigating.
The museum announced an independent review led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy D'Orsi, chief constable of the British Transport Police. This review will focus on future security measures and support recovery efforts.
Learn more in the entire CBS report.