Louvre to set up new cameras and anti-intrusion systems after jewels heist

In the 19 October heist, it took thieves less than eight minutes to force their way through a window with the help of a freight lift and steal jewels worth €88 million.

The head of the Louvre Museum said on Wednesday that new surveillance cameras and anti-intrusion systems will soon be installed at the Paris landmark after last month's audacious crown jewels theft, Euronews reported.

Around 100 new cameras will be up and running by the end of next year while anti-intrusion systems will start to be put in place within two weeks, museum director Laurence des Cars said.

She described the systems as equipment that will prevent intruders from getting close to the museum buildings but did not offer specifics.

The new surveillance cameras will try to ensure "complete protection of the museum's surroundings," she said.

"After the shock, after the emotion, after the assessment, it's time for action" at the world's most visited museum, des Cars told the Committee of Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly.

She said it was part of more than 20 emergency measures that will be implemented, that also include the creation of a "security coordinator" position at the museum.

On the day of the 19 October heist, it took thieves less than eight minutes to force their way through a window into the Apollo Gallery with the help of a freight lift and steal the trove of jewels with €88 million.

Des Cars unveiled some new details about the security breach, saying the power tools used by robbers to cut through the display cases were disc cutters meant for concrete.

"It's a method that had not been imagined at all" when the display cases in the Apollo Gallery were replaced in 2019, she said.