Ancient church locks are easier to drill than pick
Modern burglars are bypassing centuries of locksmithing expertise by using power tools to breach rural French sanctuaries that house the vast majority of Europe's religious masterpieces.
In the remote dioceses of rural France, thieves are exploiting a curious weakness in medieval engineering. While a 12th-century iron lock is notoriously difficult to pick due to its heavy, hand-forged tumblers and complex internal gates, it cannot withstand the torque of a modern cordless drill. These ancient mechanisms, which have protected treasures for nearly 800 years, often yield to a drill bit in under five minutes. This vulnerability has turned quiet country churches into primary targets for organized looters, with 29 sites hit in a single 90-day spree.