Louvre Heist Reveals Major Security Failures

The Louvre reopened after a three-day closure, though the Apollo Gallery remains closed, as investigators probe a brazen daytime heist in which four suspects stole eight Napoleonic jewels valued at about €88 million by smashing a second-floor window with a crane and fleeing on motorbikes. Director Laurence des Cars told senators that exterior CCTV coverage was insufficient—a camera overlooking the façade was pointed the wrong way—and blamed aging infrastructure and a “terrible failure”; she offered her resignation, which Culture Minister Rachida Dati refused. President Emmanuel Macron ordered accelerated security upgrades and the museum pledged expanded CCTV, perimeter measures and a permanent police presence. Authorities said alarms did function, more than 100 investigators have been mobilized, and searches for the suspects continue. The theft has provoked national shock and renewed scrutiny after years of cuts and delays to an €80 million security plan.