7 minutes, 8 priceless jewels gone: How thieves pulled off the Louvre daylight heist

Paris: A daring heist unfolded at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, when eight invaluable royal jewellery items were stolen in broad daylight within just seven minutes. French authorities have launched an intensive investigation, with President Emmanuel Macron pledging all efforts to catch the perpetrators and recover the treasures.

How the Thieves Operated

Officials said the thieves, believed to be part of an organised crime group, used a furniture hoist to access the Apollo Gallery, home to the museum’s royal collection. Cutting equipment was employed to breach a window and open display cases. The raid occurred shortly after the museum opened to the public, between 9:30 and 9:40 am local time.

Overpowering Security

Despite alarms on the gallery’s exterior and display cases, the masked criminals overpowered security in a rapid and violent operation. They fled with a tiara, sapphire necklace, sapphire earrings, emerald necklace, emerald earrings, a reliquary brooch, a tiara, and a corsage bow. Empress Eugénie’s crown, encrusted with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was dropped and damaged during their escape.

Cultural and Historical Loss

Sunday’s heist represents a significant cultural loss for France. The stolen jewellery belonged to queens and empresses of France, including Marie-Amélie, Queen Hortense, Marie-Louise, and Empress Eugénie. The incident has reignited concerns over museum security in France, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez calling the event a "major weak spot."

Past Thefts Highlight Vulnerability

Historical robberies at the Louvre, including the infamous 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa, underscore its vulnerability. Previous attempts also targeted works by artists such as Eugene Delacroix and Gustave Courbet. The museum’s security systems are now under urgent review following this latest heist.

Ongoing Investigation

A forensic team of 60 investigators is working to trace the criminals, who may have meticulously planned the heist. Some equipment left behind, as well as one of the stolen objects, are currently being examined by experts. Authorities are tracking the group responsible with urgency.

Political Fallout

The political reaction has been swift. Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella condemned the theft as “an unbearable humiliation for our country.” Macron emphasised the symbolic and historical value of the lost pieces, vowing to recover the works and bring the criminals to justice under the Paris prosecutor’s office’s guidance.