A Bold Heist at the Louvre: What Went Wrong?

The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, recently faced a significant security breach. A group of thieves managed to steal jewels worth €88m (£76m; $102m) in broad daylight. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the museum's security measures.

Arrests and Investigation

Two suspects from Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb, were arrested on Saturday evening. One of them was about to board a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The suspects are known to the police for previous burglaries. Specialist police have taken over the case and can detain them for up to 96 hours for questioning.

The Heist

The heist took place last Sunday, shortly after the museum opened. The thieves used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d'Apollon via a balcony near the River Seine. They cut through a window with power tools and threatened the guards, who evacuated the premises. The thieves then cut through the glass of two display cases containing the jewels.

Security Lapses

A preliminary report revealed that one in three rooms in the area of the museum raided had no CCTV cameras. The thieves were inside for only four minutes and escaped on two scooters waiting outside. Security measures have since been tightened around France's cultural institutions.

Reaction and Debate

France's justice minister admitted that security protocols failed, leaving the country with a "terrible image." The incident has sparked a debate about the need for better security measures in cultural institutions. It is a stark reminder that even the most secure places can be vulnerable to determined criminals.