A recently leaked audit report from France has revealed ongoing delays in enhancing security at the Louvre following its recent jewel heist.
In an audacious daytime robbery on Sunday, four thieves used ladders hidden in a truck to access the museum’s second-floor windows, breaking in and infiltrating the Apollo Gallery.
In just about seven minutes, they managed to grab several crown jewels, such as emerald and sapphire earrings, necklaces, and tiaras, belonging to historical figures like Marie Louise and Empress Eugénie.
Interestingly, they didn’t manage to steal the massive 140-carat Regent Diamond, historically worn by both Louis XV and Napoleon. In their rush, they also dropped the diamond-encrusted crown of Empress Eugénie, which was later found near the museum.
This significant security lapse has sparked serious concerns about the safety of invaluable artifacts at one of the world’s most renowned museums.
In the midst of public outcry, portions of an independent auditor’s report—originally set for release in December—were leaked to the Parisian media. According to le figaro, the document indicated that “plans for modernizing security systems are consistently delayed.”
Consequently, the audit revealed that core areas of the museum, including the Surrey and Richelieu wings, lacked adequate video surveillance coverage.
The report also pointed out that increased visitor numbers have accelerated the obsolescence of the museum’s technical infrastructure, outpacing investments made for upgrades.
It specifically highlighted bureaucratic issues as major contributors to the delays, indicating that numerous necessary studies often take years. Alarmingly, even the fire protection improvements from a 2004 master plan remain incomplete.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez responded promptly, ordering enhanced security measures across cultural institutions in light of the robbery. He emphasized the need for an “immediate review” of current protocols to bolster safety as needed.
The Louvre was supposed to reopen on Monday, but an unexpected closure was announced, creating chaos for tourists waiting outside the iconic glass pyramid.
President Macron has promised swift action to recover the stolen crown and apprehend the thieves. Still, some experts caution that the jewels could already be in danger of being dismantled due to rising gold prices.
Julien Delsol, from France’s National Federation of Art Specialists, stated that the jewels might be disassembled and sold internationally, as it could be challenging for the thieves to find buyers in their current state. “The historical significance of these pieces makes them invaluable, and if they do reappear, they will likely be unrecognizable,” she noted.
