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How does the Art Loss Register help prevent the sale of stolen art?

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kouros — Art fraud Kouros of uncertain provenance, formerly on display with the label “about 530 bc or modern forgery,” dolomitic marble; in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California.

The Art Loss Register (ALR) serves as a critical tool in preventing the sale of stolen art by maintaining an international database of stolen works, antiques, and collectibles.1

When a theft occurs, collectors or dealers notify the register immediately. This creates a significant barrier for criminals attempting to sell stolen items, as it becomes exceptionally difficult to move such works onto the legitimate market. Major dealers and the world's largest auction houses routinely consult the ALR before agreeing to handle or sell a piece of art, especially if it is a major work. By providing this centralized resource, the register effectively decreases the probability that a thief can successfully dispose of stolen property, thereby acting as a powerful deterrent against art theft.2