Louvre Takes Emergency Measures After Heist: Metal Bars Secure Apollo Gallery

The Louvre Museum has taken a significant step to enhance security after a daring daylight robbery in October. Metal bars have been installed over the windows of the Apollo Gallery, where thieves stole an estimated $102 million worth of jewelry, including the French crown jewels. The installation of bars is part of the museum's emergency measures following the brazen heist. Deputy administrator Francis Steinbock revealed that discussions are ongoing to secure the other windows at the museum. The Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels, had its windows previously secured with a grille in 2003-2004 during restoration work. The new bars were installed in time for Christmas, as promised by Louvre director Laurence des Cars. The museum has been under intense scrutiny since the October robbery, with a police unit deployed and a project underway to increase video surveillance. Anti-intrusion measures around the museum were also completed last week. The thieves, who stole the jewels on October 19, used a truck with an extendable ladder to access the Apollo Gallery and broke into glass display booths using angle grinders. The stolen treasures remain missing, and the Louvre's security measures are expected to be reviewed further in the coming months.