After Louvre break-in: Criticism of security measures

Following the "theft of the decade" at the Louvre two days ago, French police are continuing to search for the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the art museum's security measures are increasingly being criticized: Apparently, several security cameras are missing from the galleries.

It should be extremely difficult to steal artifacts from Napoleon's jewelry collection at the Louvre. But last Sunday, in broad daylight, this is exactly what happened. Four unknown assailants stole jewelry from the Galerie d'Apollon and then fled on scooters. Accordingly, the security measures have been heavily criticized. According to an unpublished report by the French Court of Auditors, only about a third of the necessary surveillance cameras are installed in some parts of the building.

"The resources provided are small compared to the estimated needs," the Court of Auditors' report continues. However, "several recent incidents in which the works of art were at risk have made the museum management aware that too little investment has been made in recent years." According to unions, significant cuts have also been made to security personnel.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin officially admitted shortcomings yesterday. "I know that it's not possible to completely secure all locations. But it's clear that we've failed if you can set up a furniture lift in the middle of Paris to steal priceless jewelry in a few minutes and paint a deplorable picture of France," Darmanin said.

The Ministry of Culture announced that the alarm systems on the exterior window of the Apollo Gallery and on the two affected display cases had been triggered. Several museum employees also intervened immediately "at the time of the particularly rapid and brutal break-in."

Sensational break-in in just a few minutes

According to the public prosecutor's office, the perpetrators parked a truck with a lift next to the museum. Using the lift, they easily accessed a first-floor balcony and stole eight extremely valuable pieces of jewelry from two display cases. As Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced Tuesday evening, the damage amounts to €88 million.