France's highest audit authority said in a report released yesterday that the Louvre began a security audit 10 years ago, but the recommended updates will not be completed before 2032. The report, prepared by the Court of Auditors, was issued before the high-profile theft at the museum last month, which damaged confidence in the Louvre's ability to protect its vast collection. The theft occurred in broad daylight when four thieves stole jewelry worth $102 million, sparking debate about security gaps in the world's most visited museum. Officials admitted the protection level was insufficient. Parts of the Court of Auditors' report, released yesterday, were leaked to the media just days after the theft. The report noted that only 39% of the museum's rooms were equipped with cameras by 2024, indicating that the security audit, which began in 2015, revealed an insufficient level of surveillance and unpreparedness for any crisis, leading to a tender for security work at the end of last year. The report added, 'The project (security) will take several years to complete, and according to the museum, it is not expected to be finished before 2032.'
