Since the founding of New China in 1949, the Forbidden City has suffered five cases of theft. All five registered cases took place in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

On the morning of August 16th, 1959, a student stole several items including ancient books. He wasn't caught until months later on a train. On the evening of April 16th, 1962, a thief tried to take away some gold bowls and dishes as well as two gold seals.

Two cases happened in 1980, and both thieves wanted to get the princess's seal, weighing 6.8 kilograms. Seven years later, in July 1987, a visitor tried to stay the night to take a knife used by the Qianlong emperor, and was caught by guards.