Louvre Jewel Heist: Thieves Steal Crown Jewels in Broad Daylight, Escape on Moped

Brazen Daylight Heist at the Louvre

• 💡 Thieves entered the Louvre Museum in Paris during operating hours on Sunday, targeting priceless historical crown jewels.
• 🎯 The heist, described as the work of professionals, occurred in plain sight with tourists already inside the museum.

Method of Entry and Theft

• 🚀 Thieves used an extendable ladder on wheels to reach a balcony on the museum's back side.
• 🛠️ They broke through a window and proceeded to the Apollo Gallery, where France's crown jewels are displayed.
• ⏱️ Using a circular saw, they accessed display cases and stole nine objects, including diamond and precious stone-encrusted tiaras and a set belonging to Empress Eugenie.

Escape and Recovery

• 🛵 The thieves escaped on a moped, but dropped one of the crowns during their getaway.
• 🩹 This recovered crown, though damaged, had all its pieces intact.
• 🔍 Police are investigating whether the stolen items were commissioned by a collector or intended to be melted down.

Investigation and Security Concerns

• 🕵️ Police were able to gather forensic evidence from the discarded ladder and saw, as the thieves did not have time to destroy them.
• 🔒 The Louvre remained closed for two days following the incident for police investigation and to discuss enhanced security measures.
• ⚠️ Despite its appearance as a fortress, the museum proved to be vulnerable to this sophisticated attack.