On October 19th, a group of thieves carried out a highly organized robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing several of France’s Crown Jewels worth an estimated $100 million.
The suspects used a moving truck lift to access a window of the Gallery of Apollo, broke into display cases, and escaped within minutes on scooters waiting outside. “They enter calmly in four minutes, smash display cases, take their loot and leave. No violence, very professional,” stated French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati.
The stolen pieces included a crown, necklace, and earrings once worn by French royalty such as Queen Marie-Amelie and Empress Eugenie. One crown was reportedly dropped during the escape and later received, slightly damaged. Police arrested two suspects connected to the crime, including one detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport, but most of the stolen jewels are still missing. Authorities believe the thieves may have dismantled the pieces to sell the gems separately.
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars admitted that the museum’s outdated security systems may have made the robbery feasible. “The weakness of the Louvre is its perimeter security…certainly due to underinvestment,” stated Laurence des Cars. In response, French officials have announced new security measures, including increased surveillance and reinforced barriers around the museum
The gallery where the theft occurred remains closed while investigators continue their search for the missing artifacts and additional suspects. The heist has sparked debate across France over museum security and the protection of national cultural treasures.
