France unveils national security plan after Vix collar theft

French culture minister Catherine Pégard announced a 'national security plan' on July 27, 2026, following a spate of museum thefts. The most recent robbery occurred on July 23 at the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais in Burgundy, where two men smashed a glass case and stole the solid gold collar of the 'Lady of Vix' (circa 500 BC). One suspect has been arrested. Other recent thefts targeted the Lalique museum in Alsace and the Musée du Hiéron in central France. Since the Louvre heist on October 19, 2025, over 3,100 museums, monuments, and churches have been mapped as sensitive sites. The ministry has budgeted €30 million over three years for security improvements. Pégard rejected calls to replace masterworks with copies, arguing each solution should be adapted locally. She also dismissed posting armed guards. The plan includes 33 security measures focusing on infrastructure and training.