Why Were There No Cameras on the Louvre Wall During the Jewel Heist?

The recent theft of €88 million (£76 million) worth of French crown jewels from the Louvre highlights significant security shortcomings at one of the world’s most iconic museums. Laurence des Cars, the museum's director, acknowledged the failure of the Louvre's CCTV system and its inability to detect the gang of thieves, ultimately leading to the successful heist of valuable artefacts, including a necklace gifted to Empress Josephine by Napoleon.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Louvre is currently dealing with the aftermath of a brazen heist that took place on the morning of Sunday, 15 October 2023. The museum's director, Laurence des Cars, has come forward to discuss the incident, detailing the critical lapses in security that allowed a gang of four thieves to steal jewels from the Gallery of Apollo. The museum has since reopened, albeit with the gallery still closed as investigations and security assessments continue. Des Cars has expressed a strong desire to enhance security measures, including doubling the number of CCTV cameras, and is expected to start this process in early 2026.

Key takeaways

• The Louvre was the site of a significant heist, with €88 million worth of jewels stolen.
• The museum's CCTV system was deemed inadequate, with critical areas poorly monitored.
• Director Laurence des Cars has acknowledged the museum's security failures and has taken responsibility.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of events leading up to and following the theft at the Louvre:

• 15 October 2023, 09:30 (BST): The heist occurs when thieves break into the Gallery of Apollo.
• 15 October 2023: The heist is discovered, and security personnel quickly evacuate the museum.
• 15 October 2023: Initial assessments of the stolen items and damage to the crown are made.
• 18 October 2023: The Louvre reopens, though the Gallery of Apollo remains closed.
• Early 2026: Planned improvements to security infrastructure are expected to begin.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Laurence des Cars has publicly addressed the heist, revealing the museum's security vulnerabilities and outlining plans for enhanced surveillance. She confirmed that the CCTV system was outdated and that the exterior cameras failed to monitor critical areas during the break-in.

What was already established

Prior to the theft, there had been ongoing concerns regarding the state of security at the Louvre. Cuts in surveillance staff and a lack of updates to the security infrastructure had been noted, with Des Cars alluding to these issues during her tenure as director since 2021.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The theft of such high-value artefacts may have wider implications for cultural tourism in Europe, including the UK. Visitors may become more cautious or concerned about the security of valuable items in museums they wish to visit. Furthermore, art collectors and enthusiasts may be more vigilant regarding the provenance of similar pieces in the market.

Businesses and jobs

As museums and galleries reassess their security measures, there could be an increase in job opportunities within the security sector. Businesses that provide security technology and services may benefit from a heightened demand for modern surveillance systems, particularly in cultural institutions that house valuable collections.

Policy and regulation

This incident may prompt discussions among UK policymakers regarding the security of national treasures and cultural heritage sites. There might be calls for increased funding for security upgrades and better training for personnel at museums across the UK to prevent similar incidents.

Numbers that matter

• €88 million (£76 million): Total value of the stolen jewels from the Louvre.
• Four: Number of thieves involved in the heist, who executed the plan in under 10 minutes.
• 19th Century: The era of the diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugenie that was damaged during the theft.
• 2026: Proposed year for the start of security upgrades at the Louvre.

Definitions and jargon buster

• CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television, a system used for surveillance.
• Gallery of Apollo: A prominent gallery in the Louvre housing significant artworks and artefacts.
• Empress Eugenie: The wife of Emperor Napoleon III, known for her influence in French history and culture.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the theft, investigations will continue as authorities pursue leads to identify and capture the thieves. Museums may also begin reviewing their security protocols and assessing vulnerabilities.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As discussions surrounding museum security intensify, institutions may implement temporary measures, such as increased security presence and surveillance, while longer-term upgrades are planned and executed.

Signals to watch

• Updates on the investigation into the theft, including any arrests made.
• Reports on security policy changes or funding initiatives in museums across Europe.
• Public responses and visitor trends in cultural institutions post-heist.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about security measures when visiting museums and galleries.
• Support institutions that prioritise the preservation and protection of cultural heritage.

Don’t

• Assume that all cultural institutions have adequate security; verify before visiting.
• Neglect to report suspicious behaviour in or around museums.

Checklist

• Check for recent news on security updates from museums you plan to visit.
• Understand the museum's policies regarding personal belongings and security measures.
• Be aware of emergency procedures when visiting museums.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the investigation into the Louvre heist is ongoing, uncertainties remain regarding the identities of the thieves and their potential connections to wider criminal networks. There are also risks associated with the restoration of the damaged crown, which may not return to its original condition. Furthermore, the timeline for implementing security upgrades at the Louvre is still tentative and depends on various factors, including funding and logistics.

Bottom line

The theft of €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre underscores significant vulnerabilities within the museum's security framework. As authorities work to apprehend the thieves and the museum plans for upgrades, it is evident that institutions housing cultural treasures must prioritise robust security measures to protect invaluable heritage. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by museums worldwide in safeguarding their collections.

FAQs

What was stolen from the Louvre?

The Louvre was robbed of €88 million worth of jewels, including items such as a necklace once owned by Emperor Napoleon and a diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugenie.

How did the thieves break into the Louvre?

The thieves used a truck with a mechanical ladder to access the first-floor gallery where the jewels were displayed, executing the heist in less than 10 minutes.

What security measures are being planned at the Louvre?

Laurence des Cars has proposed doubling the number of CCTV cameras and improving overall security at the Louvre, with plans expected to begin in early 2026.