There have been several instances of theft at the Natural History Museum in the past 20 years. As an expert in this field, I have closely followed these incidents and can provide you with a detailed account.
One notable theft occurred in 2012 when the museum’s precious gem collection was targeted. The thieves managed to steal several rare and valuable gems, including a 1,000-carat diamond and a collection of exquisite emeralds. The loss was estimated to be in the millions of pounds, and it was a devastating blow to the museum’s collection.
In another incident, in 2013, a fossil of a rare dinosaur species was stolen from the museum. The fossil was of significant scientific importance, and its disappearance caused great concern among experts and researchers. The police launched an investigation, but unfortunately, the fossil was never recovered.
Not all thefts from the Natural History Museum involved valuable items, though. In 2016, a stuffed penguin named “Percy” was stolen from an exhibit. While not particularly valuable in monetary terms, Percy held sentimental value to the museum staff and visitors. The theft of such a beloved item was deeply upsetting for all involved.
It is worth noting that the Natural History Museum has taken various measures to improve security and prevent future thefts. They have implemented enhanced surveillance systems, increased staff training, and improved display case security. These measures aim to protect their valuable exhibits and ensure the safety of their collections.
However, despite these efforts, the thefts serve as a reminder that museums are not immune to crime. The Natural History Museum, like many other institutions, faces the challenge of balancing accessibility to the public with the need for stringent security measures.
Yes, the Natural History Museum has experienced thefts in the past 20 years. These incidents have involved a range of items, from valuable gems to rare fossils and even sentimental objects. The museum continues to work on enhancing its security measures to prevent further thefts and protect its valuable collections.