Burglary protection in art stolens: catching up to do with measures for security

The world of an artist is characterized by creativity, inspiration and passion. But this creative oasis can be destroyed very quickly by a break -in. Especially art statels in which valuable works and sensitive material often store are an attractive destination for burglars.

Comprehensive burglary protection is therefore essential. 

Museums and galleries well positioned, catching up to do with studios

The protection of valuable art and cultural assets in museums and galleries has long been on the agenda of operators and those responsible.

In 2021, an online event format at the BHE Federal Association of Safety Technology EV the digital BHE issue "Security in Museums" and organized for the second time in November 2023.

The fact that the preservation of art and cultural assets in museums, galleries and exhibitions would have special challenges. While the museum operation is aimed at attracting a wide audience and enabling cultural experiences, public presentation and access to unique and irreplaceable exhibits are accompanied by considerable security risks.

"Security in Museums" on November 9, 2023 devoted itself innovative security concepts and the latest technologies -the use of video safety and sensors in museum operation, the combination of burglary reporting systems with external systems for detection and verification as well as the effects of Cyber ​​security on classic security technology.

For operators of exhibitions and galleries, the combination systems of renowned manufacturers in the area of ​​security technology are particularly recommended. These highly developed systems offer a wide range of accessories that can be individually tailored to the specific requirements of the respective exhibition. These include, among other things, modern burglary, reliable door contact detectors, advanced IP video cameras as well as comprehensive fire, gas and water detectors and access control systems.

Admittedly, this repertoire would be oversized for freelance artists and small to medium -sized studios and not to be financed. Nevertheless, security aspects should not be pushed onto the long bench even in the small studio. It is too easy to steal criminals to steal works of art.

This was also the case with the Sesame Locksmith Stuttgart , which has to do every day with the safety of locks, doors and locking systems.

Why are art stateliers endangered?

Historical art thefts , such as the stolen of Edvard Munch's "Der Schrei" in Oslo in 2004 or the spectacular art robbery in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, in which 13 significant works of art were stolen worth over $ 500 million, show the high level of risk of art builders.

One of the most spectacular cases of Kunstraub occurred in 2019 in the Green Vault in Dresden . The total value of the stolen jewelry was estimated by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) at around 5 million euros. However, the ideal loss is far more difficult to quantify, as is the damage to the image that the Dresden museums suffered from this incident.

At that time, the perpetrators managed to break down into the historic buildings, to smash a showcase, and to kidnap valuable objects such as colliers, orders and the Hutgraffe of the diamond rose set from 1782 to 1789 ( world art reported).

Such incidents clearly illustrate the need for robust security measures.

Statista , around 1,640 cases of theft of antiques, art and sacred objects in Germany were recorded in 2023 This increased the number of around 300 cases for the second year in a row and compared to the previous year. The police clarification rate for these thefts was only 29 percent.

art statels often offer quite easy access for intruders: large window areas, often weakly secured doors and remote locations. In addition, works of art, once stolen, difficult to identify and are easy to sell.

Loss of a work can mean financial ruin, especially among artists without regular exhibitions. Burglary protection should not be neglected even among freelance artists.

Basic measures for effective burglary protection

01 mechanical securing of access

• Doors : Invest in high -quality safety locks and bars. Security doors with at least the RC 2 resistance class ensure reliable protection.
• Window : Enter your windows with lockable window handles and safety foils or install burglary protection grilles.

02 alarm systems and surveillance systems

• Modern alarm systems can control you via your smartphone and inform you immediately when someone tries to break into your studio. Pay attention to models with loud sirens and direct connection to the police.
• Surveillance cameras offer additional deterrence and document suspicious activities. Make sure that the cameras are attached clearly and provide clear pictures.

03 light as a deterrent

A well -lit studio is less attractive for burglars. Outside lighting with motion detectors and continuously illuminated inputs can help deter potential intruders.

Specific measures for artists and art statels

01 Safe storage of valuable works

Work with special safety showcases or boxes for your most valuable works. These should be made of shatterproof material and should be safe.

02 inventory and documentation

Hold a detailed list of your works, including photos, descriptions, dimensions and evidence of authenticity. In an emergency, this makes it easier to identify and return stolen works of art.

03 insurance coverage

Special art insurance is indispensable for every artist. Make sure that both the premises and the works of art, regardless of where they are (e.g. at exhibitions), are sufficiently insured.

Burglary protection at exhibitions

If you exhibit your works, leave the safe environment of your studio. Here, too, protection should not be neglected.

01 Safe transport routes

Use only specialized art transport companies . These have the necessary equipment and safety measures to secure your works safely.

02 Exhibition protection

Make sure that the exhibition location has sufficient security measures. Exhibition rooms are often perfectly secured, but the additional installation of temporary surveillance cameras and motion sensors offers valuable additional protection during the exhibition.

Frequent security errors in Art Stelters: What you should avoid

A art statel is not only a place of inspiration and creativity, but also the center of intangible values ​​and professional assets.

Unfortunately, security gaps often creep in that increase the risk of burglary. Here are the most common safety errors in art stolens and how you can prevent them.

01 poor door and window lock

Errors: Many art statels have outdated and inadequate door and window securing. Usually these are simple bars or locks that are easy to overcome.

Avoiding: Invest in high -quality, certified security locks and bars. Windows should be secured with lockable handles, safety foils or grids. Select doors and windows with at least the RC 2 resistance class.

02 Inadequate external protection

Error: An insufficiently illuminated entrance or a barely monitored outside area makes burglars easy to get to the building undetected.

Avoiding: Install motion detectors and outer lights that ensure even lighting. Surveillance cameras should be strategically attached to the entrances to record every movement.

03 missing or outdated alarm systems

Error: Often alarm systems are dispensed with or existing systems are outdated and do not offer contemporary protection.

Avoiding: Modern, networked alarm systems offer a flexible and effective way to secure your studio. Choose systems that can be controlled via your smartphone and enable a direct connection to the police.

04 No regular review of the security measures

Error: Once installed security precautions, often not regularly checked or updated, which means that unexpected weaknesses can arise.

Avoiding: Create a plan for regular security checks. These checks should include the functionality of all locks, cameras and alarm systems. You should carry out a comprehensive review at least once a year.

05 Missing documentation and inventory

Errors: Artists often miss a detailed list of their works of art, which makes it difficult to trace and insurance in the event of theft.

Avoiding: lead a comprehensive inventory list of your works of art. Document each work with detailed descriptions, photos and information on size and materials. Keep this list in a safe place, ideally also digitally in a cloud.

06 Inadequate insurance coverage

Error: Many artists rely on general insurance companies that are not specially designed for the protection of works of art and studio equipment.

Avoiding: Complete specialized art insurance that covers both your works and your studio equipment . Check regularly whether the insurance coverage still meets current needs and value ratios.

07 Neglection of access control

Errors: Artists often leave the entrance door unlock when they work in the studio, or pass on keys to employees or visitors without checking them precisely.

Avoiding: Implement a strict access control. Doors should always be closed, even during work in the studio. Use key cards or biometric access systems to control and document access.

08 Neglection of data security

Error: The safety of digital data and electronic devices is often overlooked. Unencrypted computers and external hard drives can be an easy goal.

Avoiding: Protect all digital devices with strong passwords and encrypt important data. Use cloud services for regular backups and sensitive data exchange.

09 Inadequate training and sensitization

Error: The studio staff is often not sufficiently trained in relation to security protocols and possible risks.

Avoiding: Train your staff regularly on security questions and create a security protocol that is accessible to all employees. Carry through regular security training and exercises to raise awareness of potential dangers.

10 Too much trust in digital security measures

Errors: Artists often rely too much on digital security solutions and neglect basic mechanical fuses.

Avoiding: Always combine mechanical with digital security solutions. Stable mechanical protection on doors and windows is the first line of defense before digital measures take effect.

Burglary protection is an essential task for every artist soul

A comprehensive burglary protection for art statels requires a combination of mechanical security, technological measures and meticulous planning. By recognizing and removing the most common safety errors, you can create a safe environment in which your creativity can bloom. With careful precautions, they not only protect their works, but also their livelihood and their creative freedom.

By making precautions, avoiding frequent mistakes and regularly optimizing your protective measures, you can significantly increase your studio's safety and protect your valuable works of art from potential dangers. A safe studio is the retreat that offers you the calm and security you need for your artistic work.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/