Thieves Execute Daylight Heist at Paris’s Louvre Museum

A gang of thieves executed a bold robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing jewels described as priceless. The incident occurred on the morning of September 24, 2023, shortly after the museum opened its doors to visitors. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that the masked suspects completed the heist within minutes, using a mechanical ladder to access the first-floor gallery.

The criminals targeted the Galeria d’Apollon, home to France’s royal jewels, before smashing display cases and fleeing on scooters. While officials have not released a complete list of stolen items, reports indicate that the thieves employed small chainsaws to facilitate their entry into the museum. According to the French interior ministry, the robbery took place at approximately 09:30 local time (08:30 GMT).

A vehicle-mounted extendable ladder was found near the scene, leading up to a window close to the River Seine. The quick response from law enforcement resulted in the evacuation of the Louvre, which remained closed throughout the day. Tourists arriving at the museum were turned away as police maintained a perimeter around the site.

Rachida Dati, France’s Culture Minister, stated that one stolen item was recovered near the museum, reportedly a 19th-century crown belonging to Empress Eugenie. It was found broken and had reportedly fallen during the criminals’ escape. The ornate crown, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, holds significant cultural and historical value.

Minister Nuñez emphasized the importance of the stolen items, describing them as “priceless” and “of immeasurable heritage value.” The cultural significance of these artifacts extends beyond their monetary worth, contributing to France’s rich historical narrative.

As the investigation unfolded, tourists Jim and Joan Carpenter recounted their experience at the museum. They had been preparing to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa when security personnel informed them of “technical difficulties.” Mrs. Carpenter noted the confusion among visitors as they were escorted out of the gallery. “I knew something was up because of the way they swept the whole museum,” she said. Mr. Carpenter added that the chaotic atmosphere only heightened their excitement on what was their last day in Paris.

The Louvre Museum, often regarded as the world’s most visited cultural institution, now faces challenges in restoring its reputation and securing its valuable collections. The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen jewels, further emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in such high-profile locations.