Thieves clad in balaclavas burglarized the Louvre museum in Paris on Sunday by utilizing a crane to shatter an upper-level window. They proceeded to steal valuable items from the section housing the French crown jewels before making their getaway on motorcycles, as confirmed by officials. The robbery is expected to spark concerns regarding the museum’s security, with prior warnings from officials about insufficient funding at the renowned site, which boasts artworks like the Mona Lisa and attracted 8.7 million visitors in 2024.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft as an assault on cherished heritage and pledged to recover the stolen works while ensuring the perpetrators face justice. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time while the museum was open to the public, with the culprits entering the Galerie d’Apollon wing. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the heist, lasting six to seven minutes, involved four unarmed individuals who menaced guards with angle grinders.
A total of nine items were targeted, with eight successfully stolen. The thieves inadvertently dropped the ninth item, the crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, during their escape. Alexandre Giquello, president of Drouot auction house, estimated the crown’s value in the tens of millions of euros but noted it may not be the most significant piece. The missing jewels include items like tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and brooches from various sets.
Authorities expressed puzzlement as to why the perpetrators did not take the Regent diamond, valued over $60 million, which was also housed in the Galerie d’Apollon. One of the thieves sported a yellow reflective vest, later recovered by investigators. Additionally, the robbers attempted unsuccessfully to set fire to the crane mounted on a truck during their escape.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that a specialized police unit known for solving high-profile thefts had taken over the investigation. Beccuau mentioned that the robbery could be linked to organized crime, involving either collectors or individuals solely interested in the valuable jewels and metals. She dismissed foreign involvement as a primary hypothesis and highlighted the potential connection to money laundering through the stolen jewelry.
Following the incident, the Louvre announced its closure for the day due to “exceptional reasons.” Visitors, like Joan and Jim Carpenter from California, were evacuated from galleries, including the Mona Lisa section. The iconic Mona Lisa had been famously stolen in 1911 and later recovered. Earlier this year, Louvre officials had requested urgent government assistance to enhance security and renovate the museum’s exhibition halls.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati emphasized the longstanding issue of museum security, citing a lack of focus on safeguarding major museums for decades. She underscored the need for these institutions to adapt to evolving forms of criminal activities, particularly organized crime.