British Museum told to keep better records after review into theft of 1,500 artefacts

The British Museum must keep a comprehensive register of all items in its collections following the theft of up to 1,500 objects over recent years, an independent review has said.

- Harriet Sherwood

The review was initiated by the trustees of the museum, which holds about 8m historical artefacts on behalf of the nation, after it revealed earlier this year that items had been stolen or damaged or were missing.

The thefts caused significant damage to the museum's reputation. It was accused of serious security failures and woefully inadequate documentation of artefacts held in storage.

As it published the review's recommendations yesterday, the museum gave more details of the thefts and damage. It said the thefts took place over a "considerable" period of time, with the total number of items damaged or missing estimated at 2,000. Unregistered gems and jewellery in the departments of Greece and Rome appear to have been targeted.

A police investigation is under way, and a long-standing, senior member of staff at the museum has been sacked.