Museums across Europe are facing a growing crimewave, with raids targeting everything from paintings to precious metals, gems and ancient Chinese porcelain. ⁣ ⁣ Criminals are reportedly using social media and encrypted messaging to recruit ad hoc gangs, while soaring values and security that can be less sophisticated than at jewelry stores are making cultural collections attractive targets. ⁣ ⁣ Europol says its European Serious and Organized Crime Center will support EU countries in combating the illegal trade in stolen cultural property. ⁣ ⁣ #MuseumCrime #ArtTheft #CulturalHeritage #OrganisedCrime #Europol #ArtCrime #MuseumSecurity #Europe