A massive police operation is under way in Paris after a gang of thieves staged a daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum, making off with jewels described as “priceless.”
French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, said the masked robbers executed the burglary in a matter of minutes on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened its doors to visitors.
According to authorities, the gang used a mechanical ladder to climb to a first-floor window, smashed their way into display cases, and escaped on mopeds before security could react.
The targeted gallery, the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo), is home to France’s royal jewels. Officials confirmed that nine pieces were stolen, though one — a crown that belonged to Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, was dropped and later recovered nearby.
The Louvre was swiftly evacuated and remained closed for the rest of the day.
The French interior ministry said the burglary occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time (8:30 GMT). Prosecutors told the BBC that the thieves used battery-powered disc cutters to gain access to the building.
Investigations suggest that four people were involved, two entered the museum, threatening guards, while the others acted as lookouts and getaway drivers.
A vehicle-mounted extendable ladder was found near a window overlooking the River Seine, apparently abandoned by the robbers.
The culture ministry added that the gang attempted to set the vehicle on fire before fleeing but were stopped by a quick-thinking member of museum staff. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The stolen treasures, dating back to France’s 19th-century monarchy, were encrusted with thousands of diamonds and other precious stones.
Among them were a brooch once owned by Empress Eugénie and a pair of emerald earrings.
Her crown, which features golden eagles adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was recovered near the scene and is now being examined for possible damage, according to the Louvre’s website.
Authorities believe the robbers may have targeted the jewels because they can be dismantled and sold discreetly, unlike famous artworks that are easily traceable.
Beyond their market worth, Minister Nuñez emphasized the loss of cultural heritage, calling the stolen pieces “priceless” and “of immeasurable heritage value.”
Meanwhile, police were seen turning away bewildered tourists from the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, throughout Sunday.
American visitors Jim and Joan Carpenter said they were preparing to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa when security suddenly “swept us out of the gallery.”
The couple told Reuters they were ushered past the Gallery of Apollo and out through an emergency exit.
“There was lots of confusion,” Mr. Carpenter said, explaining that guards cited “technical difficulties” when asked what was happening.
“I knew something was up because of the way they swept the whole museum,” Mrs. Carpenter added.
Mr. Carpenter concluded, “But it’s great. This is our last day of a long trip and it’s the most exciting part today.”
