Following the recent heist at the Louvre in Paris, officials have announced stricter security measures, along with new insights into how the thieves successfully robbed the world’s most visited museum. The theft, which involved the use of disc cutters to bypass display cases, has raised serious concerns about the security of global cultural institutions. The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, revealed the details of the attack during a meeting with the Committee of Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and updated security protocols.
The stolen jewels, valued at approximately $102 million, were taken in broad daylight, highlighting the apparent lapses in the museum’s security measures. Des Cars stated that the disc cutters used by the thieves were specifically designed to cut through concrete, making the attack particularly sophisticated. She explained that the display cases, which had been replaced in 2019 to protect against weapon attacks, were not designed to resist this type of intrusion. ‘Videos show how difficult it was for the thieves,’ she said, noting that the cases ‘held up remarkably well and did not break apart.’
In response to the breach, the Louvre has announced a major security overhaul, including the installation of 100 new cameras and the implementation of anti-intrusion systems. These measures are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, with additional emergency protocols being introduced in the near future. The museum’s new security coordinator role is part of an ongoing effort to enhance its protective capabilities and ensure the safety of its invaluable collections.
Des Cars emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating that the museum must now ‘move forward with a sense of urgency.’ The Louvre’s modernization efforts, which were last updated in the 1980s, are now considered technologically obsolete. She highlighted that the equipment currently in use has been functioning beyond its expected lifespan, raising the need for comprehensive overhauls. The new measures are seen as a crucial step in ensuring the museum’s continued security and preservation of its priceless artifacts.