Daring Heist at the Louvre: Thieves Steal Crown Jewels in Under 4 Minutes

In a stunning turn of events, two thieves executed a calculated heist at the Louvre Museum, making off with treasures valued at 88 million euros, including France's crown jewels. A dramatic 36-second video recently surfaced, depicting the thieves' slow-motion escape as they descended from the museum's Apollo Gallery on a furniture lift. Reportedly verified by Le Parisien, the footage shows the duo, dressed in black—with one wearing a yellow high-visibility vest and the other a motorcycle helmet—methodically orchestrating their getaway. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the thieves utilized an extendable ladder and a basket lift to access the first-floor gallery, parked inside a stolen truck on Quai François Mitterrand. As they made their escape on scooters, a voice, presumably that of a security guard, can be heard over a walkie-talkie, stating, 'They are going to leave, they are going to leave.' The alarm was raised as the gang sped away, leading to a frantic response from law enforcement agents. The heist occurred shortly after the museum's opening at approximately 9:30 AM. The two men entered through an apparently unsecured window before using disc cutters to access two display cases housing the jewellery. In a staggering display of efficiency, they completed their operation in less than seven minutes—spending just 3 minutes and 58 seconds inside the gallery. Among the stolen items were eight pieces of jewellery, including an emerald and diamond necklace that belonged to Napoleon I's second wife, Marie Louise, and a diadem that had once adorned the head of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. These treasures are not only of immense monetary value, but they also hold significant historical and cultural importance. In light of this audacious heist, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has confirmed that over 100 investigators are now engaged in the case, underlining the urgency and gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre, faced senators on Wednesday and acknowledged a 'terrible failure' in the museum's security protocols. She admitted to only having highly insufficient camera coverage along the outside walls of the vast facility, raising serious questions about premises security at the world's most visited museum. As the investigation unfolds, questions loom regarding how such a blatant breach of security could occur at one of the most iconic art institutions globally. The heist not only diminishes the sense of safety surrounding the museum but also challenges its reputation as a guardian of cherished historical artefacts. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2