A brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has seen thieves escape with eight priceless pieces of historic jewellery.
This left many art enthusiasts and security experts questioning how such a feat was possible.
THE HEIST AT THE LOUVRE
The heist targeted France’s crown jewels and involved a gang of four, according to the BBC. They used a mechanical ladder to breach a first-floor window of the world-famous Louvre.
The thieves executed their plan with startling speed and precision shortly after the Louvre opened its doors.
HOW DID THEY DO IT?
Using a vehicle-mounted lift to reach a balcony, they cut through glass panes with power tools.
Once inside the gilded Galerie d’Apollon, they threatened guards, smashed display cases, and seized treasures. One such treasure is the emerald necklace belonging to Empress Marie Louise.
They made their escape on mopeds, completing the entire operation in under seven minutes.
HERITAGE VALUE AT THE LOUVRE
For many people, it’s a dream to visit the Louvre to see its legendary collections.
The breach is a stark reminder of vulnerabilities even in the most prestigious institutions. The stolen items were described by French officials as having “immeasurable heritage value.”
WHAT WAS STOLEN?
This included diadems and brooches encrusted with thousands of diamonds, according to The Guardian.
The thieves dropped a crown, covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, during their escape, and authorities recovered it nearby.
Experts consider its value, like the other pieces, incalculable. A separate diamond not stolen in this heist, previously fetched a valuation of over R 1.1 billion.
INTERNATIONAL MANHUNT FOR LOUVRE HEIST ROBBERS
The theft at the Louvre has triggered a major international manhunt and raised serious questions about museum security.
The Louvre remained closed on Sunday as police investigated, turning away thousands of visitors, according to the BBC.
This incident serves as a chilling case study for cultural institutions everywhere, highlighting the relentless ambition of organised criminals targeting global heritage.
