The recent brazen heist at the Louvre Museum has left officials red-faced, with director Laurence des Cars facing tough questions from French senators. In a daring move, thieves made off with royal jewels valued at over €88 million (US$102 million) in broad daylight, igniting a wave of criticism regarding the museum’s security measures.
The Day of the Heist
On Sunday, four masked assailants executed a well-planned robbery, smashing a second-floor window using a crane before escaping on motorbikes with priceless jewels, including a crown once owned by Empress Eugénie and a necklace gifted by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise.
Response from Officials
- Director Laurence des Cars faced the Senate’s culture committee on Wednesday, admitting the museum’s surveillance issues.
- Despite offering her resignation, it was refused by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who is also under fire for lapses in security.
- Des Cars highlighted that the museum’s perimeter cameras failed to provide adequate coverage, allowing the thieves to go undetected.
Security Failures and Future Plans
The heist has prompted a national outcry and a reassessment of security protocols at major French museums. Des Cars has vowed to implement crucial changes:
- Establishment of no-parking zones around the Louvre.
- Upgrade of the CCTV network.
- Request for a police station to be set up inside the museum.
The Louvre had already been under scrutiny for its security measures, with a report by France’s Court of Auditors revealing a “persistent delay” in upgrades since 2019. Meanwhile, Paris has witnessed a surge in museum thefts, including a recent theft of gold nuggets valued at €1.5 million from the Museum of Natural History.
The Cultural Impact
This incident has not only raised questions about security but has also dealt a significant blow to France’s cultural heritage. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau warned the thieves would not benefit from melting down the stolen jewels, emphasising the cultural significance of the items taken.
As the Louvre prepares to reopen following a two-day closure for investigation, visitors and critics alike are left wondering how such a security breach could occur at one of the world’s most beloved museums.