Priceless jewels were stolen from the Louvre in Paris over the weekend, raising serious questions about security at the world’s most visited museum. The stolen Napoleon-era jewels were not privately insured, France’s Ministry of Culture confirmed to Le Parisien.
A preliminary report from France’s Court of Auditors found security issues at the Louvre. The report said the museum has been significantly and repeatedly delayed in updating its technical systems, particularly for fire safety and security. The high-profile heist brought to light the lack of adequate surveillance coverage. The full report is expected in early November, Radio France reports.
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While Napoleon Hall, located beneath the glass pyramid where visitors enter, is well-equipped with cameras, the Denon Sector, which houses the Mona Lisa and the Apollo Gallery where the theft took place, lacks cameras in about one-third of its rooms. The Richelieu Sector, the museum’s largest section, has no surveillance in approximately three-quarters of its rooms. Despite awareness of these issues, Louvre officials delayed security upgrades.
The Court of Auditors criticized the museum for its slow progress. Since 2019, only 138 cameras have been added, leaving just one-third of rooms under surveillance. This is despite the Louvre’s €323 million annual budget. The museum has reportedly committed insufficient funds to improvements.
Details of the heist
Authorities have described the theft as a professional, organized and brazen heist. The suspects, wearing yellow construction vests, posed as workers along the sidewalk outside the museum. They used a crane to access the Apollo Gallery, smashing through a window to get inside. After stealing the jewels, they made a quick escape on motor scooters.
The thieves got away with eight valuable pieces of jewelry, including a royal sapphire tiara belonging to Queen Marie-Amelie and a royal emerald necklace with matching earrings, which Napoleon Bonaparte gifted to his second wife for their wedding. The gems are worth an estimated €88 million ($102 million), according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
Investigation and official response
The Louvre, a national museum owned and operated by the French government, has not insured the stolen jewels. A fine art insurer told CBS News that state museums in France only insure items when they are loaned out or traveling.
“The French government is solely responsible for the jewels,” Romain Déchelette, president of France-based Serex Assurances, said.
Investigators are reviewing security footage and other evidence to identify the suspects. A nationwide manhunt is underway.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the incident, saying all suspects will be brought to justice.
“The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our History,” Macron wrote on X.
The Louvre has been closed since the theft on Sunday. According to reports, the Louvre will reopen its doors on Wednesday.
