Art theft has increased sharply in the United States in recent years. To deal with the problem the Los Angeles Police Department in 1983 established an art theft detail. This unit has increased its clearance rate from the national average of 12 to 14 percent to a 1988 rate of 45 percent. The detectives in the unit have extensive backgrounds in burglary and theft and have also learned that art theft has many unique features, including the lack of efforts to alter the stolen object and the fact that the suspect is usually known to the victim. Computerized files recording stolen art are currently available from four sources. Detectives can use these files, but also need to develop close contacts with members of the local art and antique community. Photographs.