Louvre and Oakland heists prompt museums to rethink security and accessibility

"The day after the jewelry heist at the Louvre in Paris, officials from across Washington's world-famous museums were already talking, assessing and planning how to bolster their own security. We went over a review of the incident, said Doug Beaver, security specialist at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, who said he participated in Zoom talks with nearby institutions including the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art."

"Similar conversations are happening at museums across the globe, as those tasked with securing art ask: Could that happen here? One California museum knows the answer is yes police are investigating the theft of more than 1,000 items just before the Louvre heist. Oakland police and the FBI are investigating the Oct. 15 theft of more than 1,000 items from the Oakland Museum of California's collection at an off-site facility, including Native American baskets, jewelry, and other historic artifacts."

The jewelry heist at the Louvre prompted museum officials across Washington to review and strengthen security measures, with institutions holding Zoom talks to coordinate responses. Doug Beaver, a security specialist at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, recounted reviewing the incident and helping develop a game plan that began implementation within days. Museums worldwide compared notes and evaluated vulnerabilities. The Oakland Museum of California reported a separate Oct. 15 burglary at an off-site storage facility that removed more than 1,000 artifacts, including Native American baskets and jewelry, which investigators described as a crime of opportunity. Institutions acknowledged tension between enhancing security and preserving visitor engagement.

Read at www.mercurynews.com