Museum heists turn violent: new Europol report on cultural property theft tactics

The spotlight features some key findings:Increasing violence: Museum thefts are becoming more aggressive, with offenders using tools like sledgehammers, explosives, and firearms to breach premises and intimidate staff.Targeted high-value items: Thieves are increasingly focusing on precious metals, gemstones, and culturally significant artefacts, driven by high market demand and ease of illicit resale.Emerging criminal profiles: The report suggests the involvement of...