Thieves executed a bold heist at the Louvre Museum in October 2023, stealing over $100 million worth of crown jewels. A French Senate inquiry revealed critical security lapses that allowed the perpetrators to escape in broad daylight with only 30 seconds to spare. This revelation came to light during a Senate meeting, where lawmakers delved into the details surrounding the October 19 incident, examining the notorious robbery that has left authorities and the museum staff under scrutiny.
The inquiry uncovered that only one of the two surveillance cameras covering the entrance point of the heist was operational at the time of the incident. Security personnel also faced significant limitations, as they had an insufficient number of screens to monitor live footage effectively. This lack of resources hampered their ability to respond quickly to the unfolding break-in.
When the alarm was finally triggered, the initial police response was misguided, as officers were dispatched to an incorrect location. Noël Corbin, head of the inquiry, explained to the Senate's culture committee that if the response had been properly coordinated, guards or police could have potentially intercepted the thieves within that critical 30-second window.
Further analysis from the report highlighted a range of security deficiencies, which included outdated equipment and previously noted vulnerabilities that had gone unaddressed in earlier audits. The inquiry indicated that the balcony utilized by the thieves had been recognized as a security weakness years prior to the heist, yet it had never received the necessary reinforcement to prevent such an event.
These findings have intensified the scrutiny on Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who is scheduled to face questions from lawmakers in the coming week. While the authorities have apprehended all four alleged members of the motorbike-mounted crew involved in the theft, the stolen crown jewels, estimated to be worth around $102 million, have not yet been recovered. This ongoing investigation poses significant challenges not only for museum security but also for law enforcement, which now faces pressure to restore confidence in their ability to safeguard cultural heritage.
