Movie stars and film executives arriving in Cannes, France this week for the annual film festival now have added security, especially those arriving by yacht.
Page Six reports after masked burglars stole about $20 million worth of matching jewelry sets, including bracelets and necklaces during a Cartier jewelry heist last week in the city, organizers are not taking any risks and informed stars who arrived Wednesday security had been beefed up.
Some guests were reportedly worried about a crime wave, but one industry figure told the site the scam-ridden location is ensuring megayachts are being looked after.
“They’ve put more security out on the water,” a studio exec. told Page Six “They don’t want any problems with the boats.”
The insider went on to describe the annual fest as “full of scams,” and said one of his colleagues was conned out of money by a taxi driver who left her on the side of a road.
Megayacht parties, which are apparently big in Cannes, are being thrown by the likes of Paul Allen, Len Blavatnik and Ron Perelman.
David Geffen, Eric Schmidt, Sir Philip Green, James Packer and a number of Saudi royals and diplomats are also said to be docking for this year’s event.
On May 7, three robbers stormed into the Cartier store on the Croisette promenade, while the fourth waited in the getaway car, according to NBC News. The thieves escaped and no suspects have been named.
Major jewelers and designers use the Cannes festival to showcase loan out expensive jewelry to actors and models to wear on the red carpet.
Red carpet activities have also seen added security this week.
Per NBC, a number of jewelry heists occurred during the 2013 festival. Among the items stolen were a diamond necklace worth $2.6 million, and $1.4 million worth of gems.