A spectacular theft at the Louvre in October has rattled France’s cultural institutions and pulled a retired security expert back into service.
Stéphane Théfo, a former Interpol officer who audited more than 700 cultural sites for the French Culture Ministry, said he is now fielding daily calls from museum directors and local officials worried about protecting their collections.
“This theft, both clever and daring, was a shock,” the 60‑year‑old told reporters.
Authorities say the concern is justified.
Between September and October, at least seven cultural sites were hit by break‑ins.
On Sept. 3‑4, thieves struck the Adrien‑Dubouché National Museum in Limoges, stealing two plates and a vase in Chinese porcelain classified as national treasures.
The haul was valued at 6 million euros.