Password to Louvre’s video surveillance system was ‘Louvre’, according to employee
The recent heist at the Louvre Museum, where $102 million in jewels were stolen, has brought to light some shocking security flaws. According to a museum employee familiar with the system, the password to access the video surveillance system was as simple as "Louvre." This revelation has raised concerns about the museum’s security measures in the aftermath of the high-profile theft.
During a testimony before a French Senate committee, Laurence des Cars, the president and director of the Louvre, disclosed that the camera outside the Apollo Gallery did not cover the window where the thieves broke in and escaped. Additionally, she mentioned that there was a "weakness" in the museum’s perimeter security due to underinvestment.
French investigators reported that the entire robbery, from the break-in to the getaway, took only seven minutes. The thieves made their escape using a truck-mounted mechanical cherry picker. Des Cars defended the security system within the Apollo Gallery, stating that it worked perfectly. However, she acknowledged the need to adapt the system to new types of attacks that were unforeseen.
Despite claiming that the security system functioned correctly, des Cars expressed her dismay at the overall security situation at the Louvre. She emphasized that enhancing security at the museum is a top priority during her tenure and admitted to being appalled by the security conditions when she assumed her role in 2021.
As the investigation into the heist continues, authorities have yet to recover the stolen jewels. Four suspects have been charged in connection with the robbery, but the missing jewels remain elusive. Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that they are actively searching for the stolen items and are pursuing all leads.
The suspects in custody do not appear to have ties to organized crime. Their DNA was found at the crime scene, and they have partially admitted their involvement in the robbery. One suspect, an unemployed garbage collector, was apprehended at the airport while attempting to flee to Algeria. The other charged suspects are also from the northern regions of Paris.
The Apollo Gallery, where the stolen jewels were housed, remains closed since the heist. The museum is working diligently to address the security lapses and ensure the safety of its valuable artifacts. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures in protecting cultural treasures.
Source: ABC News
