Background and Context
The Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum, was the site of a daring heist on a Sunday morning. Four thieves managed to steal eight precious pieces from the “Crown Jewels” collection in just eight minutes, raising concerns about security at cultural institutions.
The Heist
At 09:30 (07:30 GMT), four individuals arrived at the museum, two in a mounted forklift and two on high-powered motorcycles. They positioned the forklift at the François Miterrand dock, facing the Sena River, and used it to reach the first floor. Two thieves then broke a window using a radial saw and entered the Apollo Gallery, commissioned by Louis XIV to celebrate his status as the Sun King.
- The thieves took approximately 30 seconds to execute the plan, according to eyewitness Samir.
- Once inside, they targeted two display cases containing jewels from Napoleon Bonaparte and French royals, using the radial saw to break them open.
- They managed to steal nine pieces, all from the 19th century, while keeping their faces covered.
Upon noticing the theft, museum staff initiated security protocols. Five agents present in the room and adjacent areas intervened immediately, leading to the evacuation of visitors.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the robbery, an alarm was triggered at 09:37. The thieves escaped using the forklift platform, fleeing on their motorcycles. Authorities found two radial saws, a blowtorch, gasoline, a blanket, gloves, and a walkie-talkie at the scene, which may aid in identifying the perpetrators.
Additionally, a yellow safety vest was discovered near the Pont Sully bridge, approximately two kilometers upstream. No one was injured during the incident, and around 2,000 people were evacuated from the museum.
The Louvre Museum, which typically welcomes nearly nine million visitors annually, remains closed until at least Wednesday, as Tuesdays are the museum’s regular day off.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the thieves? Four individuals, two on a forklift and two on motorcycles, executed the heist.
- What was stolen? Eight pieces from the “Crown Jewels” collection, dating back to the 19th century.
- How was the heist carried out? The thieves used a forklift to reach the first floor, broke into the Apollo Gallery using a radial saw, and stole from two display cases containing jewels from Napoleon Bonaparte and French royals.
- What items were found at the scene? Authorities discovered two radial saws, a blowtorch, gasoline, a blanket, gloves, and a walkie-talkie.
- Were there any injuries? No injuries were reported during the incident.
- How many people were evacuated? Approximately 2,000 people were evacuated from the museum.
- When will the Louvre Museum reopen? The museum is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday.
