Stealing Heritage in Canada

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter presents a study of reported thefts of tangible cultural heritage from Canadian museums over a period of more than a century. Why a chapter dedicated to this topic? Because previous research into such crimes within Canada has been meagre, hindering the ability to understand which types of heritage are the most at-risk from theft. When any item of tangible heritage is stolen—regardless of value—the impact on history and culture is very real, and every attempt must be taken to avoid this from happening. Exposing the threats facing items of tangible cultural heritage in Canada, by revealing those that have been stolen from museums, is a means of demonstrating the need to improve protection of the nation’s collections. At the outset of this research, the aim was to gather information about thefts of heritage from both media reports and law enforcement. Unfortunately, other than gaining access to the Interpol Stolen Works of Art database, it was not possible to acquire much information from police authorities. Canada lacks a standardised national crime management system, and has only one provincial investigative unit for art and heritage crime, which hinders the ability to obtain this information. Consequently, the study also demonstrates the need to establish a Canadian federal team (or at least more provincial units) specialised in the investigation of crimes relating to cultural heritage.