PARIS - The Kunsthal museum in Rotterdam, facing strong criticism over its security measures after seven valuable paintings were stolen last week, on Monday issued a statement explaining that the thieves were able to snatch the artworks swiftly after an alarm briefly deactivated a rear door's electronic lock.
The door also had mechanical locks, but the thieves were able to quickly force their way inside, according to the Dutch museum. Camera images show that they were able to enter and leave within two minutes - well ahead of the police, who arrived five minutes after an alarm sounded.
The police said they had collected more than 60 tips in connection with the burglary on Oct. 16, when thieves apparently took advantage of the electronic lock system, which opened to comply with fire safety standards. Investigators have already posted a YouTube video that shows grainy masked figures slipping inside and out with their bags filled.
“We must always make the trade-offs between safety and security,†Emily Ansenk, director of the museum, said in a statement.
The works belonged to the Triton Foundation, which swiftly replaced missing works by Picasso, Matisse and Monet with other art from its collection on loan to the Kunsthal, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
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