The Louvre Museum has experienced its most dramatic robbery since the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. This incident raises pressing questions about the security protocols surrounding France's artistic heritage, as criminal organizations increasingly target such revered institutions.
On Sunday morning, a group of well-prepared thieves executed a heist at the Apollo Gallery, where many of France's crown jewels are housed. France's interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, described the gang as 'clearly professional' and noted how they had meticulously planned their operation. In just seven minutes, the thieves managed to steal their targets using a truck with an elevating platform, enabling them to access the first floor and cut through a window to gain entry.
Among the items taken were valuable pieces from imperial French history, including those linked to Empress Eugénie and Marie-Louise. Fortunately, one item, the Empress Eugénie's crown, was recovered, albeit damaged, after apparently being dropped by the thieves during their escape.
Authorities confirmed that alarms functioned correctly during the robbery, and museum staff enacted protocol to communicate with security forces. An effort was made to set fire to the vehicle used for the getaway but thwarted by an alert member of the museum's staff.
This high-profile heist follows other recent thefts that have made museum security a critical concern. The theft of raw gold from a Paris museum and porcelain from Limoges have already raised alarm bells. With the Louvre's vast array of famous artworks and hidden treasures, it is clear that the museum's security will undergo intense scrutiny in light of this heist.
As the criminal underworld increasingly targets recoverable assets like jewels over static artworks, experts warn that the beautiful yet historically significant exhibits at the Louvre face an uphill battle to protect their treasures.
