France's culture minister said Friday anti-ramming devices would be set up around the Louvre by year's end, after a high-profile heist at the famed museum reignited debate over its security.

The announcement comes after four thieves parked a truck with a moving lift under one of its windows during opening hours on October 19, then used cutting gear to break into a first-floor gallery and steal jewellery worth an estimated $102 million.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, speaking after reading an initial report on the museum's security systems, said Friday that urgent measures were needed to address the situation.

"For more than 20 years, there has been a chronic underestimation of intrusion and theft risks" at the Louvre, Dati told broadcaster TF1. "We can't continue like this."

The report

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