Thu Oct 23 05:28:34 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Louvre Museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, acknowledged a “terrible failure” in security led to a daylight heist of €88 million in crown jewels. She offered her resignation, which was refused. She cited a shortage of cameras, aging equipment, and inadequate placement as contributing factors, and announced plans to increase security measures, including a police station inside the museum. The jewels, including pieces from the Napoleonic era, remain missing. President Macron condemned the heist as an “attack on heritage.” The museum has faced staffing and security concerns.
News Article:
Louvre Director Admits Security Failures in €88M Jewel Heist, Offers Resignation
Paris, France – Laurence des Cars, Director of the Louvre Museum, admitted to “terrible failures” in security that allowed thieves to steal an estimated €88 million ($102m) worth of crown jewels in a brazen daylight heist last Sunday. Speaking before the French Senate on Wednesday, des Cars acknowledged that staff “did not detect the arrival of the thieves soon enough.”
Des Cars offered her resignation to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, which was refused. She attributed the security lapse to a shortage of security cameras outside the museum and other “weaknesses.” She also noted aging camera equipment. One camera, located near the thieves’ entry point, was improperly positioned.
The thieves gained access through a balcony window in the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo’s Gallery) using a truck and ladder shortly after the museum opened. They even erected bollards to appear as maintenance workers, according to des Cars. The four thieves spent less than four minutes inside, escaping on motorbikes with eight priceless artifacts. The jewels remain missing and the thieves are still at large.
The stolen items include a necklace Napoleon Bonaparte gave to Empress Marie-Louise and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, adorned with nearly 2,000 diamonds. Eugenie’s emerald-set imperial crown, dropped during the escape, was recovered but damaged.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the heist as an “attack on a heritage that we cherish.”
Des Cars has pledged to increase security measures, including establishing a police station inside the museum and installing barriers to prevent vehicles from parking close to the building. The Louvre, which reopened Wednesday, welcomes 30,000 visitors daily.
The incident has raised concerns about staffing and security at the Louvre, which prompted a staff walkout in June. A renovation plan, including security upgrades, was announced in January.
First Piper 