Brazen Daylight Heist at Louvre Museum: Thieves Steal Priceless Royal Jewelry in Under 10 Minutes

The theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in eight invaluable royal artifacts being stolen in broad daylight. Security footage captured one thief, disguised in construction attire, slicing through a glass display while museum visitors passed nearby.

The thieves specifically targeted the Galerie d'Apollon, focusing on two display cases housing 19th-century jewelry that once belonged to French royalty.

Security cameras documented the heist where three thieves stole nine jewels belonging to Napoleon and Empress Eugenie. Reports indicate they entered through a construction area, cut through the display windows, and removed the French crown jewels in just seven minutes before escaping on motorcycles.

The stolen collection included diadems, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. According to the Ministry of Culture, the thieves took a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugenie, an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie Louise, a tiara, necklace, and single earring from Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense's sapphire set, and a special "reliquary brooch." These pieces, containing thousands of diamonds and precious gems, are considered "unsellable" due to their uniqueness and historical significance.

Police have recovered two items, including Empress Eugenie's crown, near the museum premises and are currently assessing them for damage.

The entire robbery was executed in less than 10 minutes, occurring between 9:30 and 9:40 am French time, shortly after the museum opened to the public.

According to reports, four thieves used a vehicle-mounted lift to access a first-floor window via a balcony overlooking the Seine River. They cut through glass panes using battery-powered disc cutters to gain entry into the museum.

Once inside, the thieves threatened security guards, who quickly evacuated visitors from the area. After stealing items from two display cases, the thieves fled on scooters. They attempted to set fire to their vehicle outside the museum, but a staff member intervened and prevented this.

This incident has raised serious questions about the museum's security protocols. Labor unions have pointed out that approximately 200 full-time security positions have been eliminated over the past 15 years, leaving the Louvre vulnerable despite increasing visitor numbers. Previous warnings about security weaknesses, including a theft in 1998 and a 2021 audit by the current director, had not been fully addressed.

Ariel Weil, the mayor of Paris Centre, expressed shock at how easily the robbery was carried out at the Louvre. "It's a shock... It's been a movie script up until now. It's hard to imagine that it's seemingly so easy to burglarise the Louvre... The unexpected closure of the site is causing a major public order problem," he stated.