In the past (& fairly recently, in relation to any riots that ever take place there), people have suggested that it is lucky that the Parthenon Marbles (or Egyptian artefacts etc depending what is happening around the world) artefacts in the British Museum, otherwise they would have been more likely to be destroyed.

The assertions of this, assume that for some reason museums in the UK are completely secure – that accidents can’t happen & that every artefact remains forever in the same condition as it was when it was acquired.

Surely though, it would be something hard to own up to – and very galling to the original (& claiming to be rightful) owners, that their artefacts that you were “looking after safely” for them were lost or destroyed? It is hardly as though this is the first time that such a story has surfaced.

From:
Big News Network

British artwork damaged at museums
Big News Network (UPI) Tuesday 6th November, 2012

LONDON — British officials said 199 art exhibits have been lost or stolen from Britain’s national galleries and museums during the last three years.

The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed many of the artworks, including pieces by Poussin to Roy Lichtenstein, were damaged by the very staff members who are supposed to protect and preserve them, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.
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