FBI to deploy art theft team

Attempting to get a grip on art theft -- a crime that usually goes unsolved and unpunished -- the FBI has assembled a new team to track down thieves and stolen property.

Philadelphia agent Robert K. Wittman, who has extensive experience in investigating thefts of art and cultural artifacts, will lead the team of eight agents. They will be deployed across the country after taking a crash course in art history to help them distinguish styles, periods and artists.

The program was launched this week with classes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. The goal is to train a cohesive group that can respond to thefts promptly and effectively.

Interpol ranks art theft third among property crimes worldwide.

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Suzanne Muchnic