AUGUST 19, 1997
 
- Need advice, single technology microwave detectors
- sentenced only to 15 months' of jail time
- US National Conference on Cultural Property
- Archive Disaster in Poland
- Fire Damages Hubert Humphrey Museum
- Who's Who burglary gang knew what's what

 
 
Need advice, single technology microwave detectors
From: IntlArtCop@aol.com
Date sent: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 00:50:14 -0400 (EDT)
To: securma@xs4all.nl
Subject: Need advice
 
American museums have used a rather large number of the Microwave Sensors
Defender D-9 microwave motion detector units in the past since they work well
on high ceilings, cover large areas, and shoot through walls, perfect for
hiding them in closets of historic houses and shooting through the walls.
This unit has now been discontinued and is not longer available. I have
searched the American market and can find no equal product. I would be very
grateful if anyone knowing of a equal microwave product would let me know
where it is available. Perhaps the European market has something similar. I
do not need dual tech units. I need single technology microwave detectors,
relatively small in size. The D-9 could be hidden in a light can. They do
not need to be UL listed but should be marketed as security devices (as
opposed to door opening devices often found over grocery store doors in the
U.S.).
Thanks for your assistance.
Steve Keller
Steve Keller and Associates, Inc.
Museum Security Consultants
(904) 789-6740 IntlArtCop@aol.com
--------------------------------------------------------
 
sentenced only to 15 months' of jail time
From: Louie D <Safety@xtdl.com>
To: Museum Security Mailinglist <securma@xs4all.nl>
Subject: Re: AUGUST 15, 1997 (corrected edition)
 
Museum Security Network wrote:
> MODERATOR'S MESSAGE:
> Sorry to bother you with this resent message. However, in the first
> 'edition' the ' Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel' heading was
> missing. I think this information deserves all attention it can get.
> TC
> - Man gets 15 months in stolen art sting
> - Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel
 
I don't mind the duplicate mail, but I do want to thank you for all the
recent fine art news. It is hard to believe that the individual that
stole and sold 30 Hans Heysen paintings and sketches to an undercover
policeman was sentenced only to 15 months' of jail time.
This type of lency does not deter theft of fine arts, it only encourages
individuals to plot for their next heist. Fifteen months of
incarceration vs a potential payoff of $400,000.00 worth of irreplaceable
art is to good to let pass bye and deny.
A more stringent penalty in the court system will demonstrate that being
proven guilt of art theft should be your last taste of freedom, for a
long time at least. I am an individual who believes in second chance
for others but all actions need to exhibit a fair price of exchange when
punishment is presented forth. 15 months I believe is not that value I
had in mind. Though I am not familiar with all the circumstances, I
still thing that individual got off light.
I was wondering, was this crime classified as a class A felony?
You dont need to answer my last question.
Thanks again for all the great new and facts you've sent me.
----------------------------------------------------
 
 
Date sent: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 08:23:22 -0400
From: David Liston <SIWP01.OPS1.Listond@ic.si.edu>
To: securma@xs4all.nl
Copies to: museplan@aol.com
Subject: US National Conference on Cultural Property
Protection\Security
 
PLEASE POST AND CIRCULATE:
 
This announces and opens email registration for The US National Conference on Cultural Property Protection-- A Symposium on "Maximum Protection Using Minimum Resources" Those of you responsible for cultural security and fire protection need to join us in Washington, D.C., for this conference. What you gain from participating in conference makes your work much easier.
>>>> Following are four sections called > What's In It For Me?, >> What Do I Get and What >>>> Does It Cost?, >>> What Will We Be Listening To and Doing?, and >>>> Contact and >>>> Registration
> What's In It For Me? For most of our colleagues, this conference is the most valuable training event of the year. Participants find new ways to solve their museum's protection problems. Conference participants exchange techniques, skills, and know-how. It will improve institutional protection for everyone who is involved. Here professionals will find ways to develop your most important resource of the future: your staff. The conference will provide you with
practical, ready-to-go information and work materials. You will find out what works, how it works, and why it works.
* Learn formally from the number of presentations offered through the week.
* Learn informally speaking with colleagues and exhibitors at luncheons, dinners and trade shows. * Mix learning with pleasure at site visits, with security presentations, at the Newseum, opened in 1997. * Become skilled at conducted a security survey with your colleagues from around the country. * Take home dozens of new ideas, references, job aids, that will make the coming year more successful.
>> What Do I Get and What Does It Cost?
Conference registration brings you a copy of the Conference Proceedings, useful training reference documents, continental breakfasts, luncheons, and beverages. This year's registration cost before January 5 is US$ 400.00 The registration cost after January 5 is US$ 450.00 and US$ 500.00 for on site registration. Make your own hotel accommodations directly with a Washington, DC, hotel as soon as it is contracted, at about $115 per night, single. Hotel reservations after January 18 will be on a space available basis. Conference sessions are held at the hotel which offers free shuttle service from the National Airport during day hours. The hotel is surrounded by unique and chain restaurants that are both walking and a short drive distance. Conference registration includes bus
transport to the Newseum reception Tuesday evening.
Yes, bring your significant other! The program encourages them to meet for coffee in the morning and get out to the museums on their own, getting back in time to dine with their mate or attend evening events.
This event is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and is endorsed by the Museum Association Security Committee of the American Association of Museums, American Library Association, the International Committee on Museum Security of the International Council of Museums, and relevant committees from the American Society for Industrial Security and the National Fire Protection Association. These organizations host open meetings on Monday to welcome you and encourage you to join them and participate in their work.
>>> What Will We Be Listening To and Doing?
SUNDAY * "Open House" Meetings with Affiliate Organizations on Standards and Guidelines * The Conference Social--where we welcome you with a personal touch
* 1998 National Conference Proceedings of papers, contacts and references
MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY * General sessions and concurrent sessions function Monday through Thursday noon, with a trade show and lunch each day and receptions at night * Poster Sessions on such Basics as: Security Managing and Budgeting, New Construction Security Standards, Emergency Planning, How to Work With Consultants Wisely, Selling Protection to Your Director--Even When You Are
One, Physical Security Basics, Facilities Operations, Construction Fire and Safety * "Rolled-up-sleeves" separate roundtables on Library, Museum, Small Institution, and Facilities Management issues THURSDAY * Awards Breakfast and Closing * Take-home group photo, certificate, and attendance list * 1998 Cultural Property Cultural Property Protection Practices Survey * 1998 Cultural Property Protection Contact Telephone Directory
>>>> Contact and Registration
* A limited number of spaces are available at the conference and applicants are urged to register as soon as possible. * Brochures will be mailed just before Thanksgiving. * Make checks or drafts for registration payable to SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CULTURAL PROPERTY PROTECTION * For information on completed registration only, call (202)287- 2585 or Email: ops1.listond@ic.si.edu. Name Date Name to Appear on Your Conference Badge Telephone Telefax Electronic Mail System/Address Special Accessibility or Dietary Requirements Position Organization Address COSTS (APPROXIMATE UNTIL 1 OCT 97) conference registration per person @ US$ 400.00 each before January 5, conference registration per person @ US$ 450.00 after January 5 conference registration per person @ US$ 500.00 on site one day registration at any time @ US$ 125.00 accompanying person program @ US $25.00 accompanying person(s) attending Tuesday and Wednesday dinners @ US$ 25.00 for each dinner
RESERVE YOUR HOTEL DIRECTLY single or double room is $120 overnight, plus tax Hyatt Regency Crystal City At Washington National Airport 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, Virginia 22202 USA Tel 703 418-1234 Fax 703 418-1233 Telex 901943 Thanks for reading to the end.
You are special.
-------------------------------
 
From: Cary Karp <ck@nrm.se>
Subject: ANNOUNCE: Archive Disaster in Poland
To: ICOM-L@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM
 
The International Council on Archives has launched an appeal for
assistance following the disaster that has hit Polish Archives.
The text is available on the ICA Web site at
http://www.archives.ca/ica/Appeal_0897.html and is being
distributed via ICOM-L to help spread the word throughout the
museum community.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To all members of the International Council on Archives and to all
archivists worldwide
Once again the archival heritage of mankind has been hit by a disaster: the flooding in Poland. This event, dramatic in itself, has occurred in a country which lost the major part of its archival heritage during the second World War. I urge all archival institutions and all colleagues throughout the world to respond to the appeal of the Director General of the State Archives of Poland which reads as follows:
Poland Archive Disaster Appeal
The biggest flood in our country's history is ravaging Southern and Western Poland. It has devastated archives in Wroclaw, Kamieniec, Zabkowski, Nysa, Raciborz and the archive building in Opole. Some of these records constitute a common heritage of Poland and Germany. Documents dating from the XVI century have been destroyed or damaged. This is a severe blow, not only to our cultural heritage but to that of the world. The national archives are organizing the emergency response for the whole country. We have already sent personnel into the affected areas, we are highlighting the areas of greatest need, and identifying places where documents can be given emergency treatment. We are giving advice on how to deal with the damaged archives. Our rescue action consists of drying flooded material where possible, and freezing where immediate drying is not possible. We are using commercial freezing and vacuum drying facilities,
and have ordered further equipment from abroad. This work is enormously expensive and our resources are limited. We are desperately in need of equipment including freezing units, fans, and plastic crates to move wet records. We also urgently need materials: plastic sheeting, absorbent paper, file covers and folders, and archive storage boxes, together with protective clothing for our staff, who are working in difficult and often
dangerous conditions.
We appeal to the world archival and heritage community to help us in providing equipment, materials and above all, money. We will be grateful for any kind of help. We have created a special bank account, to which donations can be sent:
Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A - Grupa Pekao S.A
III Oddzial w Warszawie
Nr 12401040 - 27030822 - 3000-457872
Naczelna Dyrekcja Archiwów Panstwowych
«Archiwa Polskie - powódz»
(This means : Polish Archives -flood).
We urge you, our international colleagues and friends, to help us
by sending as much as you can. Everything will be put to good
use to save our archival heritage.
Prof Daria Nalecz
Director of the state archives of Poland
tel +48 22 831 9584
fax: +48 2 231 7563
If you need further information, please contact the ICA Secretariat in Paris which is maintaining close liaison with the Archives of Poland. I am confident that our professional community will again show
the spirit of international solidarity which has existed since the foundation of ICA 50 years ago.
The President of ICA.
Wang Gang
-------------------------
 
Fire Damages Hubert Humphrey Museum
 
WAVERLY, Minn. (AP) Fire extensively damaged the Hubert Humphrey Museum early today in the town where the late vice president lived. Firefighters and residents were able to salvage some items and no injuries were reported. The extent of damage to the late senator and vice president's memorabilia in a downtown building had not been determined, said Irene Bender, museum director.
"Firemen brought out a lot of things, but of course it's badly damaged," Bender said. "In a museum collection, everything is important. It's history you can't replace."
The collection included newspaper clippings, letters to Waverly residents, tickets to his 1965 inauguration and sheet music for the Hubert H. Humphrey March, with lyrics reading: "Once in every generation, comes a leader for the nation. Here is one who stands without a peer. Democrats in jubilation, laud him for his reputation, get behind him, sing it loud and cheer!" Other Humphrey collections are held by the Minnesota Historical Society and the University of Minnesota.
The cause of the fire had not been determined. A passer-by reported seeing smoke coming from a window at about 4 a.m., the Wright County Sheriff's Department said. Residents of the town about 35 miles west of Minneapolis have been planning to replace the facility with a state-of-the-art museum and educational center. "We have always looked at it as the temporary museum, because we had plans to build a new one," Bender said. Bender didn't know how the fire might affect those plans. She doubted that the existing building could be salvaged.
(18 Aug 1997 11:56 EDT)
-----------------------
 
(Times of London)
Who's Who burglary gang knew what's what
BY ADRIAN LEE
 
A GANG of burglars chose their wealthy victims from the pages of Who's Who, and were able to pick out valuable items because their leader was an antiques expert. Yesterday justice caught up with the men whose targets included judges.
Four men were convicted as a jury at Winchester Crown Court returned verdicts in the last of a series of trials. The court had heard that the ringleader, Nick Stock, netted property worth more than £500,000 as the gang raided more than 150 addresses in Hampshire and Sussex, cutting wires to telephones and burglar alarms.
Stock, 34, of Fareham, Hampshire, rarely entered the houses himself, instead directing operations from near by. He used threats and intimidation to recruit his team, and was finally caught when an accomplice turned informant. Stock has admitted three specimen charges of conspiracy to burgle and will be sentenced with other gang members next month. Eight men had been on trial charged with planning or carrying out raids with Stock between 1991 and 1995. Four were convicted yesterday, two were cleared, and two face retrials after the jury failed to agree verdicts. Already awaiting sentence are four others who have admitted, or been convicted of, similar charges and a further two convicted, with Stock, of conspiracy to rob a jewellers. Stephen Parish, for the prosecution, said that among victims were Vice-Admiral Sir Lancelot Bell Davies, of Fareham, who lost paintings, furniture and a clock in May 1991, and a woman relative of the Queen, who lost a silver candelabra in 1995. Mr Parish said that Stock had visited large houses during the day, peering through windows to assess the value of the antiques: "He would often look at things and say they were no good because they were not genuine. He was an expert ­ he could probably star in the Antiques Roadshow." His success ended when Colin Marshall, a former accomplice, asked police for protection and said that Stock had threatened to kill him: "Over the next four months he took police to houses he said he and Stock and others had burgled."
After the trial, Detective Sergeant Dave McKinney said: "The crime rate for burglaries in Hampshire and the surrounding area has dropped dramatically since they were arrested."
----------------------------