Paris’ Louvre Museum went into lockdown over the weekend following a daring heist in broad daylight where thieves stole France’s crown jewels. The gang, described as highly organized, used power tools to break into the museum and swiftly escaped on scooters with eight valuable pieces of jewelry.
Police have initiated a widespread manhunt for the culprits, who meticulously planned the operation according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to apprehend the thieves and retrieve the stolen items.
The robbery occurred shortly after the museum opened on Sunday morning. Four masked individuals utilized a vehicle-mounted lift to access a balcony overlooking the River Seine, where they broke through glass panes and entered the museum, prompting the evacuation of visitors amid blaring alarms.
The thieves swiftly targeted two display cabinets, seizing royal treasures before attempting to set fire to their vehicle outside, which was foiled by a vigilant staff member. Authorities confirmed the theft of eight treasures, including tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and brooches that once belonged to French royalty and imperial rulers.
The stolen items, encrusted with diamonds and rare gemstones, represent exquisite French craftsmanship. Two additional items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, were discovered near the scene, dropped during the escape. Experts are assessing the items for any damage.
Interior Minister Nuñez emphasized the immeasurable heritage value of the stolen jewels, labeling the theft as a major and incalculable loss to French history. Video footage captured a masked individual calmly cutting open a display cabinet and fleeing with the loot during the seven-minute heist.
Authorities examined the large ladder used in the break-in, which was transported to the scene on a flat-bed truck and left against the museum’s walls. The Louvre has a history of security breaches, notably the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, which was later recovered, and the ongoing efforts to enhance museum security following significant thefts over the years.
Recent thefts in French museums, including the Adrien Dubouche Museum and the Cognacq-Jay Museum, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by cultural institutions in safeguarding valuable artifacts.