The Securitization and Policing of Art Theft

Book excerpt: The subject of many films and books, art theft is a fascinating topic that continues to capture the popular imagination. However, it is one of many types of art crime that remain under-researched and which require much more academic, empirical investigation. This book examines who is performing, managing, governing and controlling the securitization and policing of art theft in London. Through giving the first map of the policing and securitization of one of the world’s largest centres of art, it helps our understanding of art security at city, national and international levels and offers practical recommendations for those who operate within art security. Providing the first clear single account of the London art security terrain, this book also advances current knowledge of policing, environmental criminology and insurance. Moreover, it adds to the previous research into the traditionally restricted worlds of private policing, public policing and the art world.