FINE ART & ANTIQUES: Although crime is on the decrease, according to recent figures released by the Garda, the Garda antiques section at Harcourt Square strongly advises collectors to get around to cataloguing, marking and photographing their fine arts items.
Robbery to order is now extremely common, according to Insp Pat McCabe of the Crime Prevention Office. This means that certain burglars, sometimes working in teams, know exactly what to steal and who to sell it on to. "Burglars are highly trained and know exactly what to take. Even small-time opportunists have an eye for what is valuable. Criminals educate themselves on what is valuable. Often people don't consider certain things valuable but, without doubt, a burglar will know. The rules on protecting antiques can be applied to all valuables," he says.
"Get a professional to describe your valuables and take photographs, especially of any maker's marks. Be careful not to damage furniture - some of the modern markers have chemicals that don't work well with period materials."
Antiques and paintings recovered from burglars and awaiting owners' identification are stored at Harcourt Square, which is the office of the National Bureau for Criminal Investigation. Most items are eventually claimed by owners, according to Det Sgt Maura Walsh of the antiques section, refuting the notion of store rooms full of unclaimed treasures.
"We liaise with local garda stations who report the crime, but we also work closely with our Northern Ireland and UK counterparts. Most stolen items go straight across the water and end up in antique fairs or auctions there. We have recovered several pieces from individual police stations such as Newark in the UK."
When goods are recovered, the Garda calls in a professional valuer for an opinion on the items. Denis Drumm from Malahide is one of several who have been summoned to Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park - sometimes late at night - to inspect a recently docked shipment or a consignment from across the Border. Most small collectors are unprepared for burglaries, he says.
"Anyone with a collection of antiques should have it properly catalogued. They should build up a dossier with measurements, photographs and even the date. Many large collectors record valuable items on video. Get a professional valuation of what the antiques are worth and be mindful of who you invite into your your home," he advises.
Use alarm technology around the clock, even if you are in, says Insp Pat McCabe. "Opportunists only need a few minutes, so put on the alarm if you're running down to the shops and when you are in the house. You can't rest on your laurels."