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May 28, 2015

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Thefts of artifacts on the rise

Inadequate funding and a dearth of public awareness have left the country鈥檚 cultural heritage sites exposed to thieves and looters.

Liu Mingwei, head of the supervision division of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, said there was an increase in thefts of artifacts involving criminal syndicates.

鈥淭hey are highly prepared and are not afraid of resorting to violence. It is very difficult to stop or catch them,鈥 Liu said.

Better equipped, professional criminal organizations have the advantage over cultural heritage site teams.

Government funding for security measures has increased from 70 million yuan (US$11.28 million) a year in 2008 to 700 million in 2013, but a manpower shortage and outdated technology make it difficult to combat theft rings.


 

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