Video footage has surfaced showing the suspects in the Louvre heist making a daring escape on a mechanical ladder in daylight. In the video, two individuals glance around nervously as they descend minutes after stealing a staggering €88 million (about £77 million) worth of France’s crown jewels from the prominent Paris museum.
The group of four thieves remains at large. The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, revealed that security measures failed, as only one camera monitored the area where the treasures were displayed. This particular camera was even pointed in the wrong direction.
Plans are now underway to double the number of CCTV cameras in and around the museum. This step comes after des Cars admitted that the lack of adequate surveillance contributed to the theft. The Paris city prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, stated that police have collected around 150 DNA samples and fingerprints as part of the ongoing investigation.
The heist took place in under eight minutes. The thieves struck at 9:30 AM, just after the museum opened. They made off with eight valuable pieces, including an emerald necklace and earrings that had once belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, Marie-Louise. In their haste, they dropped a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, which has since been recovered but was damaged during the escape.
This incident raises questions about museum security globally. A recent report revealed that major art institutions are often ill-prepared for such high-stakes thefts. A study from the International Council of Museums found that over 80% of museums worldwide experience theft or vandalism at some point. This pattern highlights the need for improved security measures to protect valuable art and artifacts.
As the investigation continues, social media buzzes with reactions. People express outrage over the audacity of the theft and highlight the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that museums face today in protecting our history and artistic treasures.
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