The Louvre Museum’s security cameras failed to detect intruders in time to prevent a daring daytime theft of valuable French crown jewels, the museum’s director revealed on Wednesday. The burglars used a crane to break into the Paris museum, making off with jewels estimated to be worth around 88 million euros ($102 million) before fleeing on motorcycles. The incident sparked global attention and led to introspection in France about what some considered a national embarrassment.
In a Senate hearing, Laurence des Cars, the Louvre director, disclosed that she had offered her resignation following the security breach but it was declined by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who also faced criticism amid the fallout from the robbery.
Des Cars admitted defeat in their security efforts, despite their daily hard work. The ease with which the hooded assailants accessed the museum, smashed a window, and escaped without being apprehended left many puzzled. Government officials acknowledged significant security oversights, with Des Cars attributing the failure to a lack of exterior cameras monitoring the Louvre’s perimeter.
She emphasized that the museum’s facade lacked comprehensive camera coverage, including the window used by the thieves for entry. Des Cars had previously raised concerns about the inadequate security measures in the ancient building, which were tragically confirmed during the recent theft.
To enhance security measures, Des Cars proposed implementing no-parking zones around the Louvre, upgrading the CCTV system, and advocating for a police station within the museum. The audacious heist, carried out during museum hours on a Sunday morning, prompted a reassessment of security protocols at museums nationwide, given Paris’s status as a hub for prominent cultural institutions attracting tourists.
Reports indicate that several French museums have fallen victim to theft in recent months. Prosecutors announced charging a Chinese-born woman in connection with the theft of six gold nuggets valued at approximately 1.5 million euros ($1.75 million) from the Museum of Natural History in Paris. The woman was apprehended in Barcelona while attempting to dispose of some melted gold.
(Conversion rate: $1 = 0.8575 euros)