British Museum Director Resigns After Artifact Theft

The director of the British Museum resigned today, Friday, after admitting to a failure in investigating the theft of artifacts. Hartwig Fischer, a German art historian who has managed the museum since 2006, stated that there could have been a better response to warnings about the possibility of an employee stealing jewelry. Fischer added in a statement, "It is clear that the British Museum did not respond adequately as it should have." The British Museum, one of London's most famous tourist attractions, announced last week the dismissal of an employee after discovering the theft of items from a store, including gold ornaments and gemstones dating from the 15th century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. The police stated yesterday, Thursday, that they have questioned a person, whose name has not been disclosed, regarding the missing artifacts.