Louvre closed on account of pickpockets

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

The Louvre, the world's most visited museum, was forced to close on Wednesday after workers staged a walkout in protest over pickpockets. More than 100 staff stopped work to denounce raids by organised gangs which they said were growing in number and becoming "more aggressive", targeting both visitors and staff in the vast galleries.

The museum said in a statement that pickpocketing was a growing problem despite measures taken last year, including tighter co-operation with the police and temporary bans on people already identified as pickpockets from re-entering the museum. Late last year, the Louvre filed an official complaint to the state prosecutor over visitors falling victim to the thieves.

A union official said staff were afraid of organised gangs, which had become increasingly aggressive and included minors who could access the museum for free. Some complained of being spat at, insulted, threatened or kicked, saying thieves had become more violent.

The Louvre, which had 10 million visitors last year, would normally draw 30,000 a day at this time of year to see works including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/10/louvre-closed-pickpockets

[Duer 157099]

1. Geez, is that any way to talk about the bankers? n/t

[Renew Deal]

2. They need to flush the pickpockets out

[Tempest]

5. A sting operation would be easy to do

Increase penalties and throw the book at them to discourage others.

[dipsydoodle]

9. Gin trap in a holdall would probably do the trick.

That would sting.

[Blue_Tires]

23. People can also stop making themselves easy targets

I know no one wants to hear it, and before all the "blaming the victim" cries start; let me just say I was once picked in the pickpocket capital of the world (Rio de Janeiro) because in spite of all the warnings, tips and advice, I thought I was smarter than the average bear...

Tourists should never, ever carry a wallet/purse in known places where pickpockets or thieves prey -- Have just enough cash to get you through the day, one credit card and maybe an ID card, wrapped up tight and kept close on your person...I don't care how street smart you think you are, I don't care if you came up on the mean streets of Queens/Newark/East St. Louis/Oakland/Memphis/Miami/Mexico City, you *will* get got...

[onehandle]

3. Meh. Musée d'Orsay is a better museum anyway. nt

[Roland99]

11. double meh...didn't care for thatone much. I loved the Louvre (and the Musee du Moyen Age)

that latter one was just fascinating!

[CTyankee]

4. they'd better get more security staffing asap. This is perhaps France's biggest cultural

treasure. They need more watchers and security cameras. They do a pretty thorough job of screening when you come in (I thought they were going to ask us to take off our shoes, TSA style, when I was there two years ago).

[LibDemAlways]

6. Visited the Louvre last summer. Way too crowded. I can easily see

how pickpocketing is a problem. The crush in the room with the Mona Lisa was worse than kids jammed into a pit at a rock concert. Perhaps a timed admission/reservation system would work better. Something needs to give. There was also a mouse running around the cafeteria. So apparently they need better rodent control as well.

[bluemarkers]

10. doesn't sound like things have changed

I've been fortunate to visit twice, 19 years ago (omg, I'm old!) and again 13 years ago. The Mona Lisa had been moved to a bigger room the second trip but the crowd was huge and packed. (think a crowded elevator the size of a ball room) We didn't have any problems with pick pockets, or mice in the cafeteria... They had apparently been eaten by the rats lounging in the inner courtyards. Thought we saw a cat or a dog the first time.

The Louvre will need to go to a pass system. They may have to charge a small fee. They could even do a quick photo for security reasons - either may be a deterrent, but if a gang is determined who knows.

[Roland99]

12. Just have to time it right

My wife and I were there just over a year ago exactly. Entered via the lower level entrance and went straight to the Mona Lisa.

We had nearly 2 minutes BY OURSELVES in the room. I was shocked.

[dipsydoodle]

14. Beautiful isn't it.

What actually struck me the most was the colours in the background landscape.

[Roland99]

15. yeah...and much smaller than I was expecting

even after being told and reading that it's not that big of a painting (and now you have to stand further away from it, too). Got a nice zoomed-in shot, though.

What was even better was turning around and seeing the wall-sized Marriage at Cana!

[dipsydoodle]

20. I was surprised at its size too.

It was this which really got me :

Winged Victory of Samothrace.



What amused me was the Venus de Milo , clearly marked no photos , with numerous Japanese visitors occupying security whilst other Japanese visitors snapped away.

Was good to see Poussin's Et in Arcadia ego face to face too having read about it :

[CTyankee]

24. On my first visit to the Louvre, when I was a kid of 16, I was stopped dead in my tracks

by Winged Victory. I couldn't believe it...

[bluemarkers]

19. Agree!!

I wouldn't turn down two minutes alone with her/him. How fortunate for you!

Usually we are up and out, but on both trips, time wasn't our own.

I think the best part of the palace is the building itself, especially the foundation.

[smirkymonkey]

31. I also entered the Louvre through the lower entrance and

walked right in. The line through the pyramid was ridiculously long. A nice security guard gave me a tip. The museum was wonderful but a bit overwhelming. The Mona Lisa exhibit was a bit crowded, but not so much so that I couldn't view it easily. I actually found it a bit creepy - I felt that no matter what angle I was at her eyes seemed to follow you everywhere.

Anyway, I never felt threatened by pickpockets. I really loved the Orsay and the Rodin museums as well.

[JI7]

33. would crowds be smallerduring a different season

i would like to go to europe during winter.

[dipsydoodle]

7. If its the same as the UK these are pro gangs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-17706325

[liberal N proud]

8. Paris is terrible for pickpockets

[dipsydoodle]

13. Was the same back in the early '80s

They were not dipping into bags - they were cutting them with box cutters to let the contents fall out.

[alcibiades_mystery]

16. Meanwhile, the Met was overrun by art thieves returning paintings

[Blue Owl]

17. They're after your Monet!

n/t

[Hassin Bin Sober]

25. Count De Money!!

[cbrer]

18. Please post successful defenses

I'll be going there in 6 weeks. How do the locals feel about cold cocking a perp?

[skydive forever]

22. I used a money clip

not a wallet and never had any problems. Also twice I saw the Mona Lisa with a minimal crowd. What's funny to me is right outside the Mona Lisa room is a bunch of HUGE DaVinci paintings that almost nobody even notices.

[CTyankee]

29. Yes, Leonardo's "Virgin of the Rocks" is there (Paris version)...also not too far away is

Caravaggio's "Death of the Virgin." You'll remember that as it was mentioned in the opening chapter of "The Da Vinci Code."

Not to be ignored is the corridor with the Delacroix works. "The Death of Sardanopolous" and "Women of Algiers" are my favorites...fabulous!

And do not forget "Marriage of Cana" by Veronese. You cannot miss it because it is massive. It was carted out of Italy by Napoleon's army...

Remember to LOOK UP! Cy Twombly had a ceiling commissioned by the Louvre, the first American to have that honor. It is right next to Bracque's Les Oiseux.

[kwassa]

41. I noticed the same thing. Nobody paid attention to the other DaVincis.

Programmed tour groups is the reason. The Mona Lisa room was jammed, around the corner, nothing.

[CTyankee]

26. I travel in Europe once a year and visit museums mainly. I always wear a travel wallet

Last edited Thu Apr 11, 2013, 08:20 PM - Edit history (2)

over my shirt on a long cord across my chest and under a sweater or jacket, which I keep closed. I only carry one credit card and a minimum of euros. The Prado Museum in Madrid wouldn't take my credit card without my passport, but that wasn't my problem elsewhere. I take a copy of my face page from my passport just in case (it may not work but hey...).

Leave your passport, one other credit card and your debit card (you already have your euros from the ATM in the airport upon arrival) and the euros you won't need for the day in your HOTEL SAFE. Never, never, never carry them all at once! Oh, and tape a copy of your facepage from your passport to the inside of your checked bag and leave another copy at home.

I always take at least $100 in dollars, which I immediately put in the hotel safe upon arrival, just in case yourpassport is stolen. If that happens, you will need the $$$ to get your emergency passport from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In cold, hard cash, folks.

I am the sadder but wiser one speaking...

[cbrer]

27. Thank you. Great advice. nt

[CTyankee]

28. Well, I had my wallet stolen in Turin, Italy years ago and have had this lesson drilled

into me. I always, always, always do this and I go to Europe often. You can't be too safe...good luck and I hope you have a great time...where are you going?

[cbrer]

34. I'm meeting my wife

In Paris for 1 week to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Dang! When I say it like that, it just rolls over me. It seems so fast. But anyways, I'm a contractor in Afghanistan, so we'll meet and spend that week together. I appreciate the tips.

[CTyankee]

37. Oh, my, how lovely! A week in Paris for your anniversary! I just love it...my daughter and

her husband did that a few years back. She told me how so many of her friends were jealous!

Glad you like my suggestions. All common sense, really. Now it's just pro forma with me...I'll be in London next month. New place, new challenge....

[cbrer]

38. Thank you so much.

And not just ANY Anniversary! A big one. I've arranged dinner at Le Jules Vernes. I had a custom ruby jewelry set made from stones mined in the Konduz province. That's before I hit her with the anniversary ring for which I melted a credit card! I'm hoping it's a hit.

And we're planning a trip to Wales next year for a family wedding. Your travel suggestions can make all the difference between enjoying the event, and sitting in the Embassy or worse...

So Thanks!

[Butterbean]

30. I'm going there in 3 weeks for the first time. I bought this thing:

http://pacsafe.com/citysafe-200-gii-anti-theft-shoulder-bag

It's not the only security measure I'll be taking of course, but it's one of them.

[CTyankee]

32. Please see above for my sadder but wiser trip advisory...

Please do leave the face page copy of your passport with someone at home and take another copy with you, in addition to taping it in your checked bag. Also, photocopy your credit card and ATM card (both sides) and carry that with you and leave one at home.

The bag looks great but keep it zipped at all times and rest your arm or hand on it to keep anyone from unzipping it while you are not looking. They can do this easily and quickly. And you have to expect this, unfortunately. They know you are absorbed in that great cathedral or castle and aren't paying attention to business...

[Butterbean]

35. Oh, I'm one step ahead of you. I c&p'd your post to a "Europe advice" list I made. LOL.

I'm a wee bit OCD. Yes, I read all that and it's great advice, thank you so much. The bag that I posted has a zipper clasp, but yes, I do plan to keep my hand on it. I have been wearing it for about 3 weeks now to get used to the feel of it and to break it in, and have been wearing it cross-body, and my natural inclination when I wear it like that is to always have a hand on the bag.

I have unfortunately inherited my engineer husband's penchant to research everything to death, having been married to him for so long. I guess it's true what they say about you slowly morphing into one person. LOL.

[CTyankee]

36. Oh, I think researching trips is a good thing! I've also found that concierges are great

sources on just about everything you want to know about a place. I download subway maps and train schedules. For my London trip, I downloaded a famous sites map from one of those Scenic city bus companies, so I could figure out how far away the museums I want to visit are from my hotel. Once I get there I can ask the concierge which bus or tube I take. Concierges have been wonderful sources of info about nearby restaurants, too. Their recommendations in city after city turn out to be excellent, IMO.

[maxsolomon]

21. Bloody Pikeys!

I'm impressed that article didn't say the words Roma or Gypsys.

[Nihil]

39. It's implicit ...

... to anyone who has experienced the situation in any of the European towns & cities.

(And the ones who haven't experienced it go all PC at the mention of those words.)

[dipsydoodle]

40. Its similar in London

on the underground / tube.

I have NEVER heard anyone here accuse Pikeys of pickpocketing - turning odd bits of farmland into car breakers yards maybe.....