Bronze sculptures, prized for their historical and artistic value, have long been targets of theft. One of the most infamous cases is the 1961 theft of "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin from the Musée Rodin in Paris. Though recovered two years later, the statue was severely damaged. Another notable heist occurred in 2005 when thieves stole two bronze statues by Henry Moore from the artist’s foundation in England, valued at over $5 million. These were later melted down, highlighting the tragic fate of many stolen artworks.

On a brighter note, 2018 saw the recovery of a 2,000-year-old Roman bronze statue, "The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius," stolen decades earlier from an Italian museum. Advanced forensic techniques and international cooperation played key roles in its return. Similarly, in 2021, a stolen Benin Bronze, looted during colonial times, was repatriated to Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in art restitution.

These stories underscore the ongoing battle between art criminals and preservationists, revealing both the vulnerability and resilience of cultural heritage.