Patterns of Fine Art Theft in the United States

• In Event: New Approaches to Understanding Property Crime

Abstract

Few studies examine fine art theft and no recent criminological study has focused on the issue solely within the United States. This study seeks to fill this gap in knowledge by providing insight into the patterns for this crime and establishing a basic comparison to other types of theft. In this exploratory study, the first research question focuses on determining the characteristics of art theft. Due to the necessity of using a convenience sample, the results cannot be generalized, but the findings indicate certain patterns worth exploring in future research. This study also examined in more depth the circumstances of cases of stolen art recovery. A notable pattern revealed that generally public awareness of the theft either directly or indirectly led to the return of the art. Another purpose of this study aims to use the process of this data collection to establish methods and contacts for use in expanding the dataset. The findings inform how the dimensions and indicators need to be altered for future studies. Overall, this study succeeds in providing some insight into patterns of fine art theft and stolen art recovery in the United States, but contributes most in establishing an informed direction for future research.

Author

• Kate Melody Burmon, University of Pikeville