Europol warns on 'explosive' museum robberies targeting gold and jewels

Museum robberies are escalating in ferocity, with thieves employing explosives, axes, and sledgehammers, according to police. Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, reports that criminals are targeting ancient gold artifacts, which can be melted down and sold without leaving a trace. The report "Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Heists" highlights a shift in the profile of robbers, with brute force replacing stealth, and modern-day criminals typically having backgrounds in other types of crime.

Europol notes that offenders are adopting more direct and confrontational approaches, focusing on specific categories of cultural artifacts due to their visibility, accessibility, and the perception that museum security measures are less robust than those in jewelry stores. The agency attributes this new trend to high demand, making such stolen items easily sellable on the art market.

High-profile museum heists have occurred in Paris, the Netherlands, and France, involving the theft of gold and diamond-adorned objects, as well as the use of explosives, resulting in significant monetary losses and some recovered artifacts being returned. Europol's report suggests that recent museum thieves often coordinate their efforts ad hoc rather than through organized gang structures, with individuals recruited locally through social media and instant communication channels.