Here’s an interesting way in which the Web has changed crime fighting. Steven Spielberg, the director, has a staff that looks after his art collection. Spielberg has been a long-time collector of Norman Rockwell paintings and even helped found the Rockwell Museum. While checking an FBI website focusing on stolen art, someone on his staff noticed that a lesser known Rockwell entitled, “The Russian Schoolroom,” stolen from its gallery almost 30 years ago, was still being sought. Turns out this Rockwell was in Spielberg’s collection. He had bought it at auction in the late 80s. (Read story here. ) When advised that his painting was most likely stolen, Spielberg (or his staff) contacted the FBI and are cooperating in the investigation. In the meantime, Spielberg retains custody of the work.

I think it's pretty cool that the FBI has a stolen artworks unit, with a website, and that the website is available for anyone to look at. I checked it out myself. There's an amazing amount of stolen art out there. Hmmm. I wonder if I should report the theft of my painting? Think the FBI would care that my name isn't Vermeer or Govaert Flinck?

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