Thieves Flee with Priceless Crown Jewels in Bold Daylight Raid

The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed as French police investigate a daring daylight heist that saw thieves escape with eight priceless pieces of royal jewellery. Reported by BBC 

According to authorities, the gang of four arrived around 9:30 a.m. using a mechanical lift to access the Gallery of Apollo via a balcony near the River Seine. Two masked suspects cut through a window with power tools, threatened guards, and smashed glass cases containing 19th-century jewels belonging to French royalty. Within just four minutes, the thieves fled on scooters at 9:38 a.m., evading capture.

French media reported that a third of the gallery’s rooms had no CCTV, and local alarms were malfunctioning at the time. Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the robbery as “calm, calculated, and executed by experienced criminals.” Police believe the theft was ordered by a criminal organization.

The stolen pieces include emerald and sapphire sets from Empress Eugénie, Queen Marie-Amelie, and Empress Marie Louise — collectively encrusted with thousands of diamonds and gemstones. One of Empress Eugénie’s crowns was found damaged along the escape route.

Officials fear the jewels may be dismantled or melted down. “There’s a race against time,” said Chris Marinello of Art Recovery International.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the heist as “an attack on our history,” calling for urgent reinforcement of museum security. The Louvre, refunding ticket holders, is expected to reopen later this week after investigations conclude.