URGENT UPDATE: A brazen daylight heist at the Louvre Museum has sent shockwaves through France, as officials grapple with major security failures that allowed thieves to escape with jewels valued at an astonishing €88 million ($A157 million). The incident occurred on Sunday morning, raising alarm over the safety of one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.
The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, testified before a Senate committee, revealing that security cameras failed to detect the four hooded assailants who smashed a second-floor window using a crane. “We did not detect the thieves’ arrival early enough,” Des Cars explained, blaming the inadequate external camera coverage. She noted that the window through which the thieves entered was not monitored at all.
The incident has fueled outrage among the public and officials alike, with Culture Minister Rachida Dati facing scrutiny for the security lapses. Des Cars stated she offered her resignation, which was declined, as the museum comes under fire for its security protocols. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work every day, we were defeated,” she lamented.
This shocking breach has prompted immediate discussions on enhancing security measures across France’s cultural institutions. The Louvre, known for its priceless collections, now faces serious questions about its ability to protect its assets. In response, Des Cars vowed to implement stricter security protocols, including establishing no-parking perimeters around the museum and upgrading the CCTV network.
The heist is not an isolated incident. Reports reveal that at least four French museums have been targeted in recent months. Just last week, prosecutors charged a Chinese-born woman in connection with the theft of six gold nuggets worth about €1.5 million from the Museum of Natural History in Paris. She was apprehended in Barcelona while attempting to sell the melted gold.
As authorities conduct an urgent review of museum security across the country, the Louvre heist serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing cultural heritage sites. With tourism a vital part of Paris’s economy, the implications of such security breaches could resonate far beyond the museum walls.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as officials work to address the serious security concerns facing France’s cultural treasures.
