Louvre's Security Flaw Exposed After €88M Heist

Sat Oct 25 2025 22:54:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following a shocking heist that netted €88 million in crown jewels, the Louvre's director admitted to severe security flaws, including inadequate CCTV coverage.

Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre, disclosed that a key CCTV camera was not monitoring the wall where thieves broke in, highlighting significant deficiencies in security that allowed a gang to steal €88 million worth of jewelry, including items once belonging to French royalty. The museum has faced scrutiny for its outdated security infrastructure as it reopens after the robbery.

The Louvre failed to spot a gang of thieves early enough to stop the theft of €88 million (£76 million) 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 external wall where they broke in was pointing away from the first-floor balcony leading to the Gallery of Apollo, which houses the jewels. 'We failed these jewels,' she stated, adding that no-one was protected from 'brutal criminals - not even the Louvre'.

Ministers have publicly denied security failings, but des Cars cut through that narrative and admitted the Louvre had been 'defeated'. Her comments shed light on the challenges of securing the world's most visited museum and the inadequacies of its current security.

The museum, which saw 8.7 million visitors last year, has had slow investment in security improvements. Des Cars indicated her goal to double the number of CCTV cameras, having been warned of the equipment's obsolescence when she took on the role in 2021.

Despite senators' disbelief at the singular surveillance camera pointing the wrong way, des Cars acknowledged, 'There is a weakness at the Louvre and I acknowledge it completely.' The heist went unnoticed until the guards were alerted, revealing major gaps in the museum's perimeter defenses.

Following the theft, which included a diamond and emerald necklace gifted from Emperor Napoleon to his wife, the Louvre has resumed partial operations, but the gallery remains closed as authorities continue their search for the thieves. Des Cars, who offered her resignation post-heist, passionately defended her actions and reiterated her commitment to improving security measures moving forward.