Thieves hit London museum third time

LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Thieves have struck the Victoria and Albert Museum in London for the third time in as many months, it was reported Friday.

Daylight raiders snatched eight small Italian Renaissance bronze plaques worth nearly $1 million, the Independent said.

Officials said one of the museum's older wooden-framed showcases in a gallery next to the central garden was forced open.

Museum Director Mark Jones said it appeared to be "a well-planned professional theft."

The V&A is in the middle of a major program to upgrade security and replace old display cases throughout the museum and many galleries have been completed.