The International Foundation for Art Research in New York started recording art thefts in 1976. In 1979 it reported approximately 1,300 stolen works; now more than 30,000 cases are on file. In today's art underworld, no potential treasure is left untouched. The criminal pilfering of Europe's ill-protected churches and mansions has turned to full-scale pillage. One typical network organized by several French and Italian antique dealers allegedly stole more than $33 million worth of art from the manor houses of France's Limousin Province during the mid-1980's. In Italy the police report between 20 and 30 new art thefts every day. Some efforts to counter the increase in art thefts are increased museum security, the development of an international computerized data base of stolen art to be accessible to dealers in all countries, and a law enforcement focus on criminal middle-men who try to market the stolen art.