LONDON: British Museum authorities have sacked staff member after valuable ornaments and gems were found to be missing or damaged from its collection, Sky News reported on Thursday.
The British media citing a statement from the museum said the items included gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass from the 15th Century BC to the 19th Century AD.
The items were mainly used for educational purposes and none had been on public display.
British Museum Staff Member Sacked Over Missing Items
The museum said it has taken take legal action against the staffer and the Metropolitan Police’s economic and crime command is investigating the matter.
Director British Museum Hartwig Fischer terming it as highly unusual incident said that security of the museum has been increased. He added that experts are currently working to find out what is missing, damaged or stolen.
Former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman carrying out the assessment work, said the British Museum has been the victim of theft.
Scotland Yard also told media that the investigation is going on, however, no arrest has been made so far.
Former chancellor George Osborne, who chairs the British Museum, said the trustees are concerned about the theft at the museum.
