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
Bill Gates apologises to staff over Epstein links

Bill Gates Addresses Staff Concerns Over Epstein Connections

Bill Gates has reportedly spoken about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein in…
A testosterone cream has offered new hope for women with low libido.

Breaking Ground: Revolutionary Australian Trial Offers New Hope for Boosting Women’s Libido

In a groundbreaking Australian study, researchers are testing a testosterone cream on…
Jeremy Webb died after eating sausages on a camping trip with friends.

Coroner Confirms Meat Allergy from Tick Bites Led to NSW Teen’s Tragic Death

NSW teenager Jeremy Webb has become the first Australian to have died…
Samsung's new phone feature blocks prying eyes

Revolutionary Samsung Feature: Safeguard Your Screen from Prying Eyes

Samsung‘s flagship smartphone for 2026 will launch with an industry-first privacy feature…
Melissa Vincenty, from Worldwide Migration Partners, says there has been a surge in Americans wanting to move to Australia.

Exploring Cultural Perceptions: Why Exhausted Americans Envy Australia’s Lifestyle

In recent times, an increasing number of Americans are contemplating a move…

Evelyn Araluen Honored with Victoria’s Premier Literary Award for Her ‘Uncompromising’ Poetry Collection

In brief Araluen’s work, The Rot, was described as “formally bold, emotionally…
Police headed to the city's northeast after midday, where multiple schools are located close together.

Adelaide Schools on Lockdown: Frightening Moments for Students and Staff

Students at three Adelaide schools have been forced to hide in cupboards…
Aussies told to leave amid 'deteriorating security' in Middle East

Australians Urged to Evacuate as Middle East Security Worsens

The Australian government has told the partners and children of Australian officials…

Key Takeaways from Trump’s State of the Union: Immigration and Iran Policies in Focus

In Brief: Trump spoke on foreign policy, the cost of living, tariffs,…

South African Recruits Allegedly Deceived into Ukraine Conflict Make Triumphant Return Home

In brief The men were trapped fighting in Ukraine’s Donbas region after…

Albanese Responds to Grace Tame’s Critique: A Comparison to Morrison Stirs Controversy

in brief Anthony Albanese has faced criticism from Greens politicians over comments…

Essential Guide: Do You Need a UK Passport for Your Trip to Britain?

In brief From 25 February, British and Irish citizens will need a…