Share this @internewscast.com
Thieves in balaclavas broke into the Louvre museum in Paris, using a crane to smash an upstairs window, then stole priceless objects from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, officials said.
The robbery on Sunday raises awkward questions about security at the museum, where officials had already sounded the alarm about lack of investment at a world-famous site, home to artworks such as the Mona Lisa, that welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024.
“The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our History,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X.
“We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

At approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, a daring robbery unfolded at the renowned Galerie d’Apollon in Paris, shortly after the museum had welcomed its first visitors of the day. Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, detailed the incident during an interview with BFM TV.

Louvre Closes After Jewellery Heist

In response to the theft, the museum temporarily closed its doors as French authorities launched an investigation into the brazen crime.

The heist, which lasted only six to seven minutes, was executed by a group of four individuals who, though unarmed, menaced the security personnel with angle grinders, Beccuau reported.

Alexandre Giquello, president of the Drouot auction house, remarked on the heist’s audacity, stating, “The crown alone is valued at several tens of millions of euros, yet it might not even be the most significant piece taken.”

Beccuau said it was a mystery why the thieves did not steal the Regent diamond, which is housed in the Galerie d’Apollon and is estimated to be worth more than $92 million by Sotheby’s.
“I don’t have an explanation,” she said.
“It’ll only be when they’re in custody and face investigators that we’ll know what type of order they had and why they didn’t target that window.”
Beccuau said one of the thieves was wearing a yellow reflective vest, which investigators have since recovered. She added that the robbers tried and failed to set fire to the crane, mounted on the back of a small truck, as they fled.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez said the probe had been entrusted to a specialised police unit that has a high success rate in cracking high-profile robberies.

Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized that investigators are exploring all possible avenues to resolve the case.

But she said it was likely the robbery was either commissioned by a collector, in which case there was a chance of recovering the pieces in a good state, or undertaken by thieves interested only in the valuable jewels and precious metals. She said foreign interference was not among the main hypotheses.
The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, said on X it would remain closed for the day for “exceptional reasons”.
The Mona Lisa was stolen from the museum in 1911 in one of the most daring art thefts in history, in a heist involving a former employee. He was eventually caught and the painting was returned to the museum two years later.
Earlier this year, officials at the Louvre requested urgent help from the French government to restore and renovate the museum’s ageing exhibition halls and better protect its countless works of art.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Al Madina Dawah Centre which has been shut down by the council in Bankstown.

Controversial Preacher’s Prayer Hall Faces Closure Amid Rising Concerns

In Sydney, an Islamic center associated with the contentious preacher Wissam Haddad…

NSW Premier Chris Minns Criticizes Protesters as ‘Troll-like,’ Warns of Uncontrollable Forces

NSW Premier Chris Minns has launched a strong criticism of protesters in…
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: General view of the memorial at Bondi Pavilion on December 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as raw grief and funerals gave way to quiet commemorations. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, i

Aussie Perspectives: New Poll Unveils Public Opinion on Terrorism Responsibility in Australia

Two thirds of Australians blame either extremists or the Albanese government and…
E-bike battery

Stay Safe This Holiday: Insurers Alert on E-Bike and E-Scooter Risks

Authorities have raised alarms about the significant fire hazards and insurance implications…
Just hours until double demerits kick in on NSW roads

Urgent Alert: Double Demerits Set to Begin in NSW – Drive Safely or Face Hefty Penalties!

Drivers are urged to take particular care on New South Wales roads…

Political Showdown: Ley Defends Wong Critique as Bowen Slams Coalition’s ‘Disgusting’ Bondi Debate Tactics

Opposition figure Sussan Ley has criticized Foreign Minister Penny Wong, alleging that…
Police officer critically injured in Bondi attack wakes from coma

Bondi Attack: Police Officer Emerges from Coma After Critical Injury

One of the police officers seriously injured in last week’s terror attack…

Shocking Allegations: Bondi Gunmen’s Countryside Tactics and Reconnaissance Unveiled by Police

Police allege the Bondi Beach gunmen fired weapons in the NSW countryside…
Footage shows one of the men hurling a glass bottle at one of the residents, who allegedly retaliated by stabbing him repeatedly.

Stabbing Victim Succumbs to Injuries Following Ambulance Collision en Route to Hospital

A man has been arrested after another man died following a broad…
Leaders speak out after Trump resurrects Greenland takeover spectre

Global Leaders React as Trump Revives Greenland Acquisition Proposal

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland insist that the US won’t take…
Brown snake in shoe

Venomous Snake Entangled in Woman’s Shoe: A Heart-Pounding Rescue Mission

An adventurous woman narrowly escaped grave danger after being repeatedly bitten by…
Magnetic hijabs could be rolled out across police forces in an effort to attract more female Muslim recruits. Pictured: PC Hafsah Abba-Gana models the new design

UK Police to Launch Magnetic Hijabs Initiative to Boost Muslim Recruitment and Inclusivity

Innovative magnetic hijabs may soon be introduced across various police forces as…