A daring heist took place on Sunday morning at the Louvre in Paris, where valuable jewels believed to belong to Napoleon were stolen. The robbery occurred between 9:30 AM and 9:40 AM local time. A group of three to four intruders entered the Apollo Gallery by breaking windows with a cutting tool after ascending from outside using a lift.
Details of the Heist
The thieves targeted the exhibition case that housed the Crown Jewels of France, resulting in an impressive haul. One of the stolen jewels has been recovered near the museum, as confirmed by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati. The recovered piece is currently being evaluated.
- Time of the Incident: 9:30 AM 9:40 AM local time
- Location: Apollo Gallery, Louvre Museum, Paris
- Operation Duration: The robbery took approximately 7 minutes
- Jewels Stolen: Items of inestimable value, likely belonging to Napoleon
Response and Recovery Efforts
Visitors to the museum, which had opened at 9:00 AM, were evacuated swiftly and without incident. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the stolen items as priceless and assured that efforts were underway to apprehend the suspects, who fled on scooters.
Authorities believe that the criminals were experienced and may be foreign nationals. A scooter linked to the getaway was discovered shortly after the crime.
Implications for Museum Security
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding security at cultural institutions in France. Minister Nuñez acknowledged the vulnerabilities in museum security systems, emphasizing the need for a robust safety plan. This robbery echoes previous incidents, such as the theft of native gold specimens at the Natural History Museum in Paris earlier this month, which was valued at around €600,000.
Historical Context of the Apollo Gallery
The Apollo Gallery was commissioned by King Louis XIV and is renowned for its royal collection of gems and diamonds, including three historic pieces: the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia. The museum, which welcomed nearly 9 million visitors in 2024, has announced its temporary closure to preserve any potential evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The Louvre aims to enhance its security protocols in light of this brazen daylight heist, as the issue of theft in French museums continues to be a pressing concern.