Daring Thieves Strike Louvre, Steal Priceless Royal Jewels in Minutes
In a brazen daylight heist that has stunned France and the global art community, a group of thieves on Sunday broke into the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris and escaped with eight “priceless” pieces of royal jewellery, despite the museum’s advanced security systems.
According to French police, the heist occurred around 9:30 a.m., less than an hour after the museum opened. The intruders used a basket lift attached to a truck to reach a second-floor window of the Apollo Gallery, home to some of France’s most valuable crown jewels.
Once inside, they smashed glass display cases and seized the items in an operation that reportedly lasted no more than seven minutes. The suspects then fled on two motor scooters, disappearing into the busy Paris streets before police could intervene.
Among the stolen treasures are jewels once belonging to French royalty, including a sapphire parure linked to Queen Marie-Amélie, an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise’s collection, and a corsage brooch and tiara from Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. One of the stolen crowns was later found nearby, damaged after being dropped during the escape.
French authorities have described the theft as a highly professional and well-planned operation.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, “These are not just jewels they are part of France’s heritage. We will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the heist, calling it “an assault on our shared history,” and promised a comprehensive investigation.
The Louvre Museum, which welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year, was evacuated and closed to the public while forensic experts combed the scene. The robbery has sparked renewed debate about museum security, especially as parts of the building are undergoing renovation.
Experts warn that recovering the jewels could prove difficult. Given their fame and unique craftsmanship, the items are nearly impossible to sell intact. Thieves may attempt to dismantle them, melt down the metals, or recut the gemstones to avoid detection.
Police investigators are analysing CCTV footage, mapping escape routes, and following leads on the getaway scooters. Authorities believe the operation involved insiders familiar with the museum’s layout and security routines.
“This is a dark day for French culture,” a Louvre spokesperson said. “But we are determined that justice will be served, and these treasures will be returned to the people of France.”
The daring heist executed in minutes at one of the most secure museums in the world has left the nation stunned and raised a haunting question: If the Louvre can be breached, where is truly safe?
