Johannesburg – Art theft is not always driven by profit alone.
Whether motivated by personal admiration for a particular artist, the desire to repurpose valuable materials, or the allure of black-market resale, stolen artworks continue to disappear from homes, galleries, and institutions worldwide.
In a bid to disrupt this cycle, iTOO Special Risks offers a publicly accessible Art Theft Register, designed as a vital tool to prevent stolen works from re-entering the market through the back door.
The Register serves as a public service to collectors, dealers, auction houses, and insurers alike, offering a transparent mechanism to identify and track stolen works.
“The motives behind art theft are varied and often deeply personal,” says Gail Bosch, Artinsure Product Head at iTOO Special Risks.
“However, regardless of why a piece is taken, our priority is to ensure it does not resurface in the legitimate market unnoticed.
“The register helps us do just that.”
The register is free to access and open to anyone, not just limited to iTOO clients.
Listings include essential details such as artist, medium, dimensions, and location of theft, while sensitive information like ownership and value remains confidential.
Importantly, recovered works are clearly tagged, and even items missing for years remain visible in the hope of eventual recovery.
“The register is not limited to traditional artworks. It includes any appreciating asset, such as rare collectables, high-value items like whiskey or wine, and even classic cars,” says Bosch.
“Given the value and collectability of certain vehicles, if one were to go missing, you would want it recorded somewhere public.”
The register serves multiple purposes:
- Curbing art theft: To prevent people from unknowingly buying or insuring stolen items, especially those purchased in good faith from sellers who may not have legitimate ownership.
- Public interest and industry service: It is a public service within the insurance industry, contributing to a safer, more transparent art ecosystem.
- Recovery mechanism: One of the most important reasons is to create a mechanism that helps recover stolen works for clients who have suffered a loss.
“There are many asset classes that appreciate that are stolen every year, and yet we have not seen huge uptake in listing these on the register,” says Bosch.
“That is why we are striving to educate people and raise awareness that this platform exists, and encourage them to participate.
“The more people who visit and use the site, the better. It is freely accessible to anyone.
“Unlike some registers, we do not charge for access or for listing items.
“Anyone who has had an artwork or collectible stolen can contact us.”
Currently, there are 469 items listed on the register, and recent data shows that oil on canvas works are the most frequently listed, followed by bronze sculptures and prints.
This trend offers a subtle warning to collectors that certain asset types are more vulnerable and may warrant additional protection or insurance.
To list an item on the register, owners must provide proof of ownership, a police case number, and a clear image.
Additional details, such as edition numbers and dimensions, greatly improve the chances of recovery.
Additionally, art owners should consider an optional insurance policy cover that applies when someone unknowingly purchases a stolen item.
Normally, the police would return the item to its rightful owner, leaving the buyer out of pocket as their title to the work is defective.
However, if they have taken out this Defective Title cover, they would get reimbursed.
“It is something every collector should consider,” says Bosch.
“That said, the item must have been purchased from a reputable dealer or gallery, not at the side of the road.
“If it is later found to be stolen, the policy would respond and compensate the buyer.”
Bosch adds, “Even if someone checks the register before purchasing, we still recommend they take out the cover.
“The register is not exhaustive, as some thefts go unreported until the item resurfaces at auction.
“That is when the original owner might spot it and claim ownership. So, do both.
“The register is a great tool, but it is not foolproof.”
To view the register or list a stolen item, visit: www.itooartinsure.co.za/art-theft-register
