Paris’ Louvre Museum went into lockdown following a daring heist this weekend, where thieves stole France’s crown jewels in broad daylight. The group, described as highly organized, used power tools to break into the museum and escape on scooters with eight priceless pieces of jewelry.
Law enforcement has initiated a widespread manhunt for the culprits who meticulously planned the major operation, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. President Emmanuel Macron has assured that the thieves will be apprehended, and the stolen items will be recovered.
The robbery occurred shortly after the museum opened on Sunday, with masked individuals using a vehicle-mounted lift to access a balcony near the Galerie d’Apollon, overlooking the River Seine. They swiftly entered the museum, prompting the evacuation of visitors as alarms sounded.
The thieves swiftly targeted display cabinets, seizing royal treasures before attempting to set fire to their vehicle outside, which was prevented by a vigilant staff member. Officials reported that the entire raid lasted only seven minutes, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos as the Louvre was evacuated and secured.
The stolen treasures, including tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and brooches from the 19th century once owned by French royalty and imperial rulers, hold significant historical and cultural value. The jewels, adorned with diamonds and rare gemstones, represent exquisite French craftsmanship. Two items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, were found near the scene and are being examined for any damage.
The stolen jewels, deemed irreplaceable and of immense heritage value by Nuñez, have left a significant loss in French history. A visitor captured footage of one of the thieves cutting open a display cabinet at the Louvre, portraying the calm and calculated nature of the heist.
Authorities are investigating the massive ladder used in the break-in, which was transported to the scene on a flat-bed truck and left against the museum’s stone walls. The Louvre has a history of security breaches, with notable incidents in the past, including the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 and the stolen Le Chemin de Sevres painting in 1998.
Recent thefts in French museums, such as the porcelain heist at the Adrien Dubouche Museum and the armed robbery at the Hieron Museum, have raised concerns about museum security and the protection of cultural artifacts.