A military craft patrols the Thames River as it passes by the Tower of London before the Opening Ceremonies at 2012 London Olympic games.(Photo: Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY)
LONDON -- A rare security breach has been reported at the Tower
of London, one of the British capital's most famous landmarks.
Authorities
say the Crown Jewels and other unique artifacts are safe but that locks
had to be changed after an intruder broke in and stole some keys.
Officials
said Monday the keys were stolen from a sentry box at the site. They
would have provided access to the Tower's drawbridges and some other
areas.
Authorities say the keys were stolen last Tuesday and a police investigation into the theft is under way.
A Historic Royal Palaces statement said security procedures had not been properly followed.
The Tower is guarded by Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.
Associated Press