British Museum worker dismissed as items reported 'stolen'

Officers are investigating the “highly unusual” incident and a member of staff at the central London institution has been dismissed and will face legal action, bosses said.

George Osborne, the former Tory chancellor who is now chair of the British Museum, said he would "do whatever it takes" to ensure the incident was never repeated. 

The alleged thefts were said to have taken place "earlier in the year" and to have included gold, jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

Osborne said: "The trustees of the British Museum were extremely concerned when we learned earlier this year that items of the collection had been stolen.

“The trustees have taken decisive action to deal with the situation, working with the team at the museum.

“We called in the police, imposed emergency measures to increase security, set up an independent review into what happened and lessons to learn, and used all the disciplinary powers available to us to deal with the individual we believe to be responsible.

READ MORE: George Osborne holding secret talks with Greece over Elgin Marbles

“Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, to do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

“This incident only reinforces the case for the reimagination of the museum we have embarked upon. It’s a sad day for all who love our British Museum, but we’re determined to right the wrongs and use the experience to build a stronger museum.”

An independent review of the museum’s security has also been launched and director Hartwig Fischer said stricter measures had been introduced.

He said: “The museum apologises for what has happened, but we have now brought an end to this – and we are determined to put things right.

“We have already tightened our security arrangements and we are working alongside outside experts to complete a definitive account of what is missing, damaged and stolen.

"This will allow us to throw our efforts into the recovery of objects.”

None of the items reported damaged or stolen had been on public display recently and most were small pieces kept in storage for “academic and research purposes”, the museum said.

The Metropolitan Police’s economic crime command team is investigating the matter.

An independent review will be led by former trustee Nigel Boardman, and Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, who will provide recommendations regarding future security arrangements, and start “a vigorous programme to recover the missing items”, the museum said.

Boardman added: "The recovery programme will work to ensure the stolen items are returned to the museum.

“It will be a painstaking job, involving internal and external experts, but this is an absolute priority – however long it takes – and we are grateful for the help we have already received.”

The Met was approached for comment.

The British Museum's permanent collection is thought to be among world's largest. 

But the history of how it obtained some of its key displays have sparked controversy in recent years. 

Museum bosses are currently considering renewed calls from the Greek Government to return the Elgin Marbles, parts of the ancient Athenian Parthenon, which the Hellenic authorities argue were stolen by a Scottish noble.