Europol: Museum Heists Becoming More Violent

Museum robberies across Europe are becoming increasingly aggressive, with targeted attacks and the involvement of actors from other criminal networks, Europol states in a report published today.

The report highlights a worrying rise in violent tactics and the use of force in robberies, with a growing focus on precious metals, gemstones, and high-value cultural artifacts.

„Thefts in museums have generally been considered a non-violent form of crime, where perpetrators relied on deception and discreet execution, while new investigations in EU countries indicate a change in both methods and targets,“ the report „Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Robberies“ states.

Perpetrators use tools such as sledgehammers and axes to break into premises, and in some cases explosives have been used, as in the robbery of the Drents Museum in the Dutch city of Assen in January 2025.

Robbers sometimes use firearms to intimidate security and visitors, and there have been direct physical attacks on employees, as well as tying up and use of force.

An example cited is the robbery of the Louvre Museum in Paris in October 2025, when thieves threatened guards and visitors, smashed a window and display cases, and stole jewelry valued at an estimated 88 million euros.

In addition to changing tactics, thieves are increasingly focusing on high-value items such as precious metals, gemstones, and culturally significant artifacts, driven by high market demand and the ease of illegal resale.

„Precious metals, such as gold and silver, and jewelry with gemstones have likely become favored targets due to their rising value,“ Europol notes, adding that precious metals can be easily melted down and gemstones removed from jewelry, which facilitates their illegal sale.

These types of items are attractive to criminal networks due to their visibility, accessibility, and the perception that security measures in museums are weaker than in jewelry stores.

The report points to an increase in the involvement of new criminal actors, including ad hoc groups recruited via social networks, who differ from traditional, non-violent dealers in cultural goods.

Some perpetrators come from other criminal areas, due to the lower risk and high profit of museum robberies, the report notes.