Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Following a shocking daylight theft, the Louvre has securely relocated several of its invaluable crown jewels to the Bank of France, emphasizing concerns about museum security. Reports from French radio RTL state that the transfer was executed under police protection on Friday, mere days after the daring heist that targeted the Apollo gallery.
On October 19, the Apollo gallery—home to the French crown jewels—was struck by robbers who utilized a crane to break in through an upstairs window during gallery hours. They escaped on motorbikes, making off with eight jewels valued at approximately $102 million. This audacious robbery has unveiled serious security weaknesses within the Louvre, causing outrage and embarrassment on a national scale.
To safeguard these priceless artifacts, the Louvre has entrusted several crown jewels to the Bank of France, known for housing the country's gold reserves in a fortified vault located 27 meters below ground. This bank is situated just 500 meters from the museum along the Right Bank of the River Seine.
Security experts and officials have raised alarms, stating that this bold theft highlights the increasing vulnerability of cultural heritage locations. With the Louvre, one of the globe’s most frequented museums, now under intense scrutiny, authorities are examining how the thieves could execute such a notorious heist.
The widespread media coverage from this robbery has captured international attention, prompting authorities to call for enhanced vigilance during ongoing investigations. In response, the Louvre is implementing measures to protect both its crown jewels and other significant artifacts from future threats.
This relocation to the Bank of France signals that even the most renowned cultural institutions face risks from crime—and that safeguarding global heritage requires unceasing alertness.
English
