Thefts by staff a common problem in UK museums, say experts

A police car outside the British Museum in London. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA

Theft from museums is common and nearly always an inside job, according to museum workers and experts in the recovery of stolen items.

A former long-term member of staff at a well-known London museum claimed the sector was “institutionally corrupt”, with the appropriation of certain items considered to be “fair game”.