Russia needs a fifth national priority project, to protect the country's cultural heritage.

So concluded the Union of Russian Museums, gathered in St. Petersburg to develop tighter museum security in the wake of 221 artefacts lost from the Hermitage collection. Museum officials blame lack of funding for their disappearance, short of money for new storage facilities, upgraded alarm systems – and to raise salaries among museum staff in moves to bolster professional status. Just how the Hermitage loss was possible remains unanswered. Antiques dealer Sergey Sizov said this was not the first time treasures took flight – and is sure it will not be the last. Publicity surrounding the loss has brought the return of 21 items.