French minister vows Louvre anti-intrusion devices after security lapses found

The Louvre will install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices in the next two months, France’s culture minister has announced, after facing pressure following the heist of crown jewels from the museum.

The announcement follows a provisional investigation that found a “chronic, structural underestimation” of the risk of theft at the Paris landmark.

She also refused the resignation of the museum director and cited four failings: underestimated risk, underequipped security, ill-suited governance and “obsolete” protocols.

Ms Dati told broadcaster TF1: “On public roads, anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices will be installed before the end of the year.”

Scrutiny by the French Senate this week investigated surveillance gaps and accountability, with some politicians and unions questioning whether the minister’s measures amount to gestures rather than durable reform.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars has already said that the museum needs physical barriers to stop vehicles from parking close to vulnerable windows.