At an emergency meeting of France’s Interior Ministry, Laurent Nunez called for the immediate strengthening of security measures at all museums across the country, France Info reported, citing meeting participants.

“All security systems in cultural sites must be promptly checked and their protection reinforced,” the radio quoted the ministry head as saying.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who also attended the meeting, acknowledged that “adequate attention has not been given to the security of cultural heritage.” She added, “The Louvre is poorly protected against new forms of crime,” urging immediate action to strengthen the museum’s security.

In recent months, France has experienced a wave of museum thefts. In September, criminals broke into the National Museum of Natural History, stealing a total of 6 kg of gold. A few days ago, the Limoges Museum was attacked, with porcelain exhibits worth €6.5 million stolen. In October, the Jacques Chirac Museum in Sarran (Corrèze department, central France) was robbed twice, with collectible clocks taken.

Criminal groups have also targeted churches; in October, an ancient bell was stolen from the commune of Bouc-Bel-Air near Marseille.