Major Heist at the Louvre: Thieves Steal Priceless Jewelry
Paris, France — In a shocking incident, thieves broke into the Louvre museum and made off with valuable jewelry before escaping on motorcycles, French officials reported on Sunday.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the robbery as a “major heist” that only took “seven minutes.” He added that the culprits gained entry using a basket lift from the outside and employed a disc cutter to break through glass containing the exquisite jewels.
The investigation is already underway, with officials compiling a list of the stolen items. According to the ministry, these treasures not only have significant market value, but they also hold immense cultural and historical importance.
In light of the incident, the Louvre announced its closure for the day due to “exceptional reasons,” without providing further details. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Initial reports indicate the thieves accessed a construction area near the Seine River. They allegedly used a freight elevator to reach a room in the Apollo Gallery, which is home to precious items, including some related to French royalty.
Among the stolen goods are nine pieces from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and Empress Eugénie, including a crown that was later found damaged outside the museum.
The Louvre is renowned for housing over 33,000 works of art, including ancient artifacts and renowned masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Authorities continue to investigate the heist and ensure the safety of such important cultural heritage.
