Officials at the Tower of London admitted Monday they had been forced to change some of the locks at the famous landmark after two sets of keys were stolen from the grounds.
Police have launched an investigation after an intruder gained access to grounds of the historic castle in the early hours of November 6 before stealing the keys.
The keys gave access to the Tower’s drawbridges as well as conference rooms and a restaurant, according to a statement from Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that runs the site.
A spokeswoman insisted that the Crown Jewels, which are kept inside the Tower and include priceless crowns and sceptres used by Queen Elizabeth II on ceremonial occasions, were never at risk of being stolen.
“The intruder did not gain access into the Tower itself,” the spokeswoman told AFP.
“He did manage to get round the gate at the main entrance but was then apprehended and escorted off the premises.
“At no point was the security of the tower at risk.”
Historic Royal Palaces said in a statement: “It would not have been possible to gain access to the Tower with any of these keys. All the affected locks were immediately changed.
“We have carried out an internal investigation and have concluded that our well-established security systems and procedures are robust.
“However on this occasion, these procedures were not carried out to the expected standard. A staff disciplinary procedure is underway to address this issue.”
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “An allegation of theft has been made to police, which is being investigated by Tower Hamlets CID.”
The Tower of London, situated on the north bank of the River Thames, is famously guarded by yeoman warders known as Beefeaters.
Tower of London keys stolen
