Louvre closes as workers protest rising problem of pickpockets

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Louvre was closed Wednesday, April 10 after its workers walked off their jobs to protest what is said to be a rising problem of pickpockets haunting the famed Paris museum's vast galleries, The Associated Press reports.

Louvre spokeswoman Sophie Grange was unable to say when the museum, which normally attracts up to 30,000 visitors a day at this time of year, would reopen.

Louvre officials could not provide an exact figure for the number of pickpocketing victims there, but the museum said in a statement that it was a growing problem despite measures taken last year including tighter cooperation with the police. The Louvre said it would crack down on repeat offenders through temporary bans on entry into the museum.

The Louvre claims to be the world's most visited museum, with nearly 10 million visitors last year.