[MSN] Auckland University increases security in wake of art thefts.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Auckland University increases security in wake of art thefts
Posted at 9:08am on 07 Jan 2007

The University of Auckland has put in place more patrols as part of a
security upgrade following the theft of a Goldie painting, worth more than
$100,000.

The painting was taken over the holiday period, along with an Oxford lectern
Bible and seven handwritten and signed Colin McCahon poems. The painting was
recently returned to New Zealand after being in Canada for more than 70
years.

The university's deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Raewyn Dalziel, says
along with more patrols, staff working at the weekends have also been told
to be wary.

Professor Dalziel says other valuable pieces of art remain on display around
the university, and there are no plans to remove them.

'Treasures'
The University of Auckland says the items have a huge cultural significance.

Professor Dalziel says they are regarded as treasures as well as being worth
a lot of money.

She says the items were held in a reading room which is open to the public
under staff supervision. The thieves broke in through a window when the
university was closed for the holiday. Professor Dalziel says a security
officer was patrolling, but did not notice anything untoward.

The artefacts are valued at more than $200,000. Police say the pieces taken
could have been stolen to order. They also say the items are well known,
distinctive and could be hard to dispose of.

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