Louvre Security Failures Exposed After €88 Million Heist

Thu Oct 23 2025 08:05:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Louvre's director revealed alarming security failures, including a lack of adequate surveillance, which allowed thieves to steal valuable crown jewels worth €88 million.

Following a brazen theft of €88 million in crown jewels from the Louvre, the museum's director, Laurence des Cars, acknowledged significant security deficiencies. She reported that the CCTV system was insufficient, with crucial cameras pointing away from the areas of interest. Des Cars's admissions highlight the challenges in protecting one of the world's most visited museums, further compounded by budget constraints and outdated infrastructure. As investigations continue, the museum seeks to enhance its security measures in the wake of this high-profile crime.

The Louvre failed to spot a gang of thieves early enough to stop the theft of €88m (£76m) worth of French crown jewels, the museum's director has revealed.

Laurence des Cars, speaking publicly for the first time since the heist on Sunday, told French senators that CCTV around the Louvre's perimeter was weak and 'aging'.

The only camera monitoring the exterior wall where the thieves broke in was pointing away from the first-floor balcony that led to the Gallery of Apollo housing the jewels. 'We failed these jewels,' she said, adding that no one was protected from 'brutal criminals - not even the Louvre.'

Despite ministers denying security failings, des Cars admitted that the Louvre had been 'defeated', providing insight into the difficulties of securing such a prominent museum. The CCTV outside the Louvre was described as 'very unsatisfactory,' with some areas of the inside being too old to support contemporary technology.

Des Cars emphasized the need for improved security infrastructure, suggesting that she wanted to double the number of CCTV cameras. Her testimony raised eyebrows among senators questioning the choice of having just one external camera, which failed to capture the arrival of the thieves.

She acknowledged a 'weakness' in the Louvre's security and praised the rapid response of the security guards at the museum, who evacuated the building upon realizing an intrusion had occurred, although they did not detect the thieves' approach in time.

The Louvre, which recorded 8.7 million visitors in the previous year, has been criticized for slow security investments amidst budget challenges. The museum has since reopened, although the gallery where the theft occurred remains closed as a hunt for the gang continues.

Des Cars mentioned that she had tendered her resignation following the incident, citing the need for overdue security changes that she had previously raised concerns about. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed confidence in capturing the thieves, believed to be affiliated with a criminal organization.