The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has admitted to a “terrible failure” in the museum’s security following a daytime jewel heist worth €88 million, carried out in just seven minutes. Speaking before French senators, she acknowledged that security cameras did not adequately cover the point of entry used by the thieves, calling the external surveillance “highly insufficient.”
The robbery, executed by four men using a truck with an extendable ladder, saw the thieves access the Apollo Gallery through a window and escape before guards could intervene. While alarms functioned properly, the limited camera coverage prevented authorities from detecting the intruders earlier.
Des Cars explained that the museum’s security system had recently been upgraded to withstand armed threats but not physical break-ins using tools like angle grinders. One emerald and diamond crown dropped during the escape was recovered and is undergoing restoration.
She confirmed that she had offered to resign after the incident, but her resignation was refused. The museum has now launched an €80 million security overhaul, including the installation of new cameras, thermal sensors, and a permanent police post within the complex to prevent future breaches.