Thieves wearing balaclavas carried out a daring heist at the Louvre museum in Paris by breaking into an upstairs window using a crane. They targeted the area housing the French crown jewels and made a quick getaway on motorbikes, managing to steal eight invaluable objects. The robbery, which lasted around six to seven minutes, involved four unarmed individuals who threatened guards with angle grinders.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft, labeling it as an attack on the cherished heritage of the country. The stolen items included pieces from the jewelry sets of historical figures like Queen Marie-Amélie and Empress Eugénie. Despite the successful theft, one of the stolen objects, the crown of Napoleon III’s wife, was dropped during the escape.
Authorities are investigating the incident, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez entrusting a specialized police unit to handle the case. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau mentioned that the motive behind the robbery could be linked to organized crime or individuals seeking to profit from valuable jewels and metals. The Louvre museum, known for housing iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa, has faced concerns regarding security measures, with officials highlighting the need for enhanced protection of its exhibits.
Following the robbery, the Louvre announced its closure for the day due to “exceptional reasons.” Visitors to the museum, including tourists Joan and Jim Carpenter from California, were evacuated from certain areas as a precaution. The incident reignited discussions on museum security, with calls for improved measures to safeguard priceless artworks from potential thefts.