Security breach at Tower of London
By Associated Press
Nov 12, 2012 7:17 AM CST
FILE This Friday March 9, 2012 file photo shows a replica of the Coronation Crown, part of the Crown Jewels, displayed at Sotheby's auction house in London made around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in order to travel and to be shown to the Commonwealth countries. A rare security breach has...   (Associated Press)

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.

See 1 more photo