British Museum worker fired after valuable items stolen

Gold jewelry dating from 1500 B.C. C. have been stolen from the British Museum in its biggest security breach in recent times.

A staff member was fired after valuable items, which also included semi-precious stones and glass, were taken from a warehouse.

The museum has announced an independent security review following the theft, which is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Economic Crime Command.

The missing elements date from the 15th century BC. C. to the 19th century d. C. Other items had been damaged.

George Osborne, the former chancellor who is now president of the British Museum, said his first priority was to recover the stolen jewelery and the museum would do “whatever it takes” to increase security so that it never happens again. heist.

police involved

The museum said in a statement: “Most of the items in question were small pieces kept in a warehouse belonging to one of the museum’s collections. They include gold jewelery and gemstones of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD. None had recently been on public display, and they were mainly kept for academic and research purposes.

Mr Osborne said: “The trustees of the British Museum were extremely concerned when we learned earlier this year that items from the collection had been stolen. The Trustees have taken decisive action to address the situation, working with the Museum team.

“We called the police, we imposed emergency measures to increase security, we established an independent review of what happened and the lessons to be learned, and we used all available disciplinary powers to deal with the individual we believe is responsible.

“Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn’t happen again. This incident only strengthens the case for the reimagining of the Museum that we have embarked on. It is a sad day for all who love our British Museum, but we are determined to right the wrongs and use the experience to build a stronger Museum.”

‘A very unusual incident’

The independent review will be led by Sir Nigel Boardman, a former trustee of the museum, and Lucy D’Orsi, chief constable of the British Transport Police.

The museum said the review will provide recommendations on future security arrangements and will also “launch a vigorous program to recover lost items.”

Hartwig Fischer, director of the British Museum, said: “This is a very unusual incident. I know I speak for all colleagues when I say that we take safeguarding everything in our care very seriously.

“The Museum apologizes for what happened, but we have now put an end to this, and we are determined to put things right. We’ve already tightened our security arrangements and are working alongside outside experts to complete a definitive account of what’s missing, damaged and stolen. This will allow us to focus our efforts on the recovery of objects.”

Sir Nigel Boardman said: “The British Museum has been the victim of a robbery and we are absolutely determined to use our review to get to the bottom of what happened and ensure lessons are learned. We are working together with the Metropolitan Police in the interest of criminal justice to support any investigation.

“In addition, the recovery program will work to ensure that stolen items are returned to the museum. It will be painstaking work, involving internal and external experts, but it is a top priority, no matter how long it takes, and we are grateful for the help we have already received.”