French authorities are racing against time to locate the stolen Louvre ‘crown jewels’ before they are lost forever. A team of 60 investigators is focusing on the theory that an organized crime group orchestrated the daylight robbery of nine valuable pieces of jewelry on Sunday. The thieves, who fled on motorbikes, dropped an emerald-set imperial crown outside the museum, but it was found damaged. The missing loot includes items like a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and earrings linked to historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and French queens.
The crucial initial two days following a heist, known as the ‘golden hours,’ are vital for recovery efforts as the stolen items are likely to remain in a limited geographic area, making them easier to track. However, after this period, the items may be broken down, melted, or transported internationally, complicating the recovery process significantly.
Chris Marinello, the CEO of Art Recovery International, expressed concerns that if the thieves are not apprehended promptly, the stolen pieces may be irretrievable. The daring raid at the Louvre, a renowned museum housing priceless artifacts, including the Mona Lisa, has raised questions about security measures. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as an assault on their cherished heritage.
The thieves used a cherry picker to enter the museum through the riverfront facade and targeted the gilded Apollon Gallery, where the Crown Diamonds are exhibited. Although the thieves escaped on motorbikes after smashing display cases, no injuries were reported. Security measures at the Louvre have been reinforced following the incident to prevent future breaches.