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Authorities have launched a widespread manhunt following a brazen daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where thieves made off with jewels described as priceless.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that the masked suspects executed the burglary with remarkable speed on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened its doors to the public.
Reports indicate the group utilized a mechanical ladder to access a first-floor window, subsequently breaking into display cases before fleeing the scene on mopeds.
The targeted gallery housed France’s royal jewels, with officials confirming the theft of nine items. Notably, a crown once belonging to Napoleon III’s wife was apparently dropped and recovered nearby.
The Louvre was promptly evacuated and remained closed throughout Sunday.
According to the French interior ministry, the theft occurred at approximately 09:30 local time (08:30 GMT) within the Galeria d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo).
Paris prosecutors informed the BBC that the thieves employed battery-powered disc cutters to gain entry to the building.
Authorities stated that four individuals were involved in the robbery, with two entering the building and reportedly threatening security personnel inside.
A vehicle-mounted extendable ladder, presumably left behind by the perpetrators, was observed leading to a window in close proximity to the River Seine.
France’s culture ministry reported that the suspects attempted to set the getaway vehicle on fire, but their efforts were thwarted by a member of the museum staff.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The nine stolen items all date back to France’s 19th-century royalty and are adorned with thousands of diamonds and other precious gemstones.
Among the stolen artifacts was a brooch previously owned by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, as well as a pair of emerald earrings.
Empress Eugénie’s crown was discovered near the scene, apparently discarded by the thieves during their escape.
The ornate crown, featuring golden eagles, is encrusted with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, according to the Louvre’s official website. Investigators are currently assessing the crown for any potential damage.
Experts suggest that jewels are often targeted by criminals due to their ability to be broken down and sold for profit, unlike easily identifiable stolen artworks, which are more difficult to monetize.
Beyond their commercial value, Minister Nuñez emphasized the incalculable cultural and historical significance of the stolen pieces, describing them as “priceless” and possessing “immeasurable heritage value.”
Police were observed redirecting tourists away from the museum, the world’s most visited, throughout Sunday as visitors continued to arrive unaware of the closure and ongoing investigation.
American tourists Jim and Joan Carpenter recounted being “swept… out of the gallery” by security guards as they were about to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Mrs. Carpenter told Reuters news agency that the couple was ushered past the Galeria d’Apollon and escorted out through an emergency exit.
Mr. Carpenter noted “lots of confusion” within the museum, with guards citing “technical difficulties” when questioned about the situation.
“I knew something was up because of the way they swept the whole museum,” Mrs. Carpenter stated.
Mr. Carpenter added, “But it’s great. This is our last day of a long trip, and it’s the most exciting part today.”
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