"Louvre workers walk off job over pickpockets" Associated Press, April 11, 2013
PARIS — The Louvre was closed Wednesday 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.
It is unclear when the museum, which normally attracts up to 30,000 visitors a day at this time of year, would reopen, a Louvre spokeswoman said. Museum staff organized the protest to draw attention to the problem, which they say is hindering their ability to welcome visitors and protect the Louvre’s collections.
Crowds of disappointed tourists gathered outside the museum on Wednesday.
‘‘We’ve been cheated,’’ said Mariam Kamel, 16, a student from the International School in Bellevue, Wash., who was attempting to see the museum while on a class trip.
In more way$ than one (honey, have you seen my wallet?)
Louvre officials could not provide an exact figure for the number of pickpocketing victims there, but the museum said in a statement it was a growing problem despite measures taken last year including tighter cooperation with the police.
Cheated again.
The Louvre said it would crack down on repeat offenders through temporary bans on entry into the site.
Hey, it's a $kill!
Of course, if you carried it into the halls of political power or the executive offices at a bank, well, that's legal pickpocketing from electronic transactions and accounts, so....
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