Guns, axes, explosives: violent museum heists are on the rise, says Europol

EU police agency says shift could point to involvement of new criminal networks focused on specific artefacts Robberies at European museums are becoming increasingly violent, with thieves brandishing guns, assaulting staff and using sledgehammers, axes and even explosives to smash their way into buildings and display cases, according to a Europol report. The EU police agency said while museum thefts were generally seen as a non-violent form of organised property crime, member states had detec...

By Sam Jones

Museum heists getting more violent as thieves recruited on social media turn to new strategies, Europol warns

Art thieves have also shifted their attention to precious metals, jewels and cultural artefacts that offer greater profits, the EU's law enforcement agency said in a report

By Julia Payne

Museum heists have turned more violent, with thieves hired on social media, Europol says

Over the last two years, art thieves have shifted their attention to precious metals, jewels, and cultural artifacts that offer greater profits, the EU's law enforcement agency said in a report.

Museum robberies are becoming increasingly violent, Europol warns

Europol says museum robberies are becoming increasingly violent, while criminals are also showing greater interest in high-value objects.

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