Web Desk; In a meticulously planned heist, a group of professional thieves broke into Paris’ world-famous Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, stealing priceless French crown jewels before making a quick escape on motorbikes, French officials said.
The robbers used a crane mounted on a truck to access an upstairs window of the Galerie d’Apollon at around 9:30am, shortly after the museum opened its doors to visitors.
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, three to four individuals broke the window, smashed several display cases, and stole historically significant jewels within four minutes, without causing any injuries or panic.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the operation as “very professional,” saying the thieves acted calmly, avoided confrontation, and swiftly fled.
One stolen piece — believed to be the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III — was recovered broken outside the museum. Experts estimate its value in the tens of millions of euros.
Alexandre Giquello, president of the Drouot Auction House, stressed that the jewels are unsellable on the open market, urging the culprits to return them given their immense historical significance. “Every police force in the world will be on their tail,” he warned.
The Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, was closed for the day following the robbery.
Security concerns at the museum had already been raised earlier this year, with officials requesting urgent government support to strengthen protections at the ageing site, home to iconic works like the Mona Lisa.
Authorities have launched an investigation led by a specialised police unit experienced in solving high-profile robberies. Visitors were safely evacuated during the incident, and no injuries were reported.
