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Senate Probe Finds Security Failures Let Louvre Jewel Thieves Slip Away in 30 Seconds

Investigators told senators that cascading security lapses created the narrow escape window.

Overview

  • The Senate-ordered report says only one of two cameras at the entry point worked and guards lacked enough screens to view footage in real time.
  • Investigators said police were initially sent to the wrong location after the alarm, delaying interception.
  • A poorly secured French window in the Galerie Apollon with very low glass resistance was identified as a critical perimeter weakness left unreinforced despite earlier warnings.
  • Audits from 2017 and 2019 and a 2017 security plan were delayed or not transmitted to current leadership, and officials urged new guard profiles including personnel trained for physical intervention, potentially ex‑military.
  • Four suspects have been arrested and jewels worth roughly $102 million remain missing, as the Louvre’s director faces questioning next week and staff plan an open-ended strike starting December 15.