Norfolk Council won't say what has been stolen from museums

Norfolk County Council has rejected a request for information related to items that have been taken or lost from museums across the region over the last three years. 

County Hall runs 10 museums across the regions, including Norwich Castle and the Time and Tide in Great Yarmouth, with items held for the benefit of the public. 

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Picture: Norfolk Museums (Image: Archant)

The Freedom of Information (FOI) request was rejected over fears it could make venues “more vulnerable” to criminal activity. 

READ MORE: Historic polar bear among items damaged in Norfolk museums

A council officer said: “Releasing this information will identify potential security information which would make the County Council more vulnerable to crime and may attract criminal behaviour. 

“Releasing this information could actively encourage criminal activity as it creates a target, potentially placing staff at risk.” 

They argued the public interest does not outweigh the risk of disclosure. 

The council previously revealed the information in a 2014 FOI. 

County Hall has not responded to questions over whether there was an increase in crime following the previous disclosure. 

An appeal has been lodged with the council arguing it is in the public interest to disclose which items - which are acquired for the benefit of the public - have been taken.   

The rejection also comes as the Metropolitan Police investigates a huge number of thefts from the British Museum.  

It is believed that more than 1,500 objects have been stolen, damaged and destroyed at the London museum over a “significant” period of time. 

Items revealed to have been stolen from Norfolk museums in 2014 include a medieval seal matrix, a 16th century key, a mid-20th century enamel bowl and a set of modern candles.

At the time the council said it had carried out a security review and improvements had been made.