The Louvre Museum in Paris has confirmed that thieves used disc cutters to steal $102 million in jewels during a brazen daylight heist. Officials have announced a major security overhaul, including the installation of 100 new cameras and anti-intrusion systems to be completed by 2026. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, shared details about the heist and the new security measures during a meeting with the Committee of Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly.
The thieves used power tools, specifically disc cutters designed to cut through concrete, to breach the display cases. Des Cars noted that while the display cases held up remarkably well, the method of using disc cutters had not been imagined at all. She emphasized that the new security measures, including advanced surveillance systems, will provide complete protection for the museum’s surroundings.
The heist, which took place on October 19, targeted the Apollo Gallery. The museum is implementing over 20 new emergency measures, including the establishment of a new role of ‘security coordinator.’ Despite the recent upgrades, Des Cars mentioned that the extensive modernization from the 1980s is now technically obsolete, with equipment that has been overperforming for 40 years.
The Louvre’s director also mentioned that the ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ initiative, launched this year, will focus on modernizing infrastructure to ease crowding and improve visitor experience. The museum has also indicated that it does not discuss security matters with the media, and the new measures are a response to the breach and the subsequent shock and assessment following the incident.