Madrid: police map gold museums after theft surge

Spain is mapping museums holding gold, silver and precious stones after a rise in thefts this year. The Villena Treasure was taken from a museum in Villena, Alicante, while the Museum of Albacete was broken into at the end of July.

In Madrid on Thursday, 10 September, the Ministry of Culture, Spain’s regional governments, the National Police and the Civil Guard met to tighten protection around valuable collections. They are looking at objects on public display as well as those kept in museum stores.

The meeting was called by the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage and Fine Arts. Officials shared information on changing criminal tactics and discussed common ways to protect collections.

The National Police has asked the directorate for an inventory of state and regional museums holding high-value metals and gems. The list is intended to raise the alert and help authorities coordinate stronger security.

Police commanders also gave prevention guidance and warned that the profile of thieves is changing, with these methods spreading across Europe. The ministry says it has already increased security at museums it directly manages.

Regional governments remain responsible for their own museums. The Madrid meeting set up an ongoing contact channel so authorities can follow security-force advice in the same way.

Topics: Police · Culture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com