Paris: The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed as authorities continue to investigate a daring heist in which thieves absconded with France's priceless crown jewels. The brazen robbery unfolded in broad daylight, with the culprits using power tools to enter the world-renowned museum and making their escape on scooters.
According to BBC, the incident occurred when two thieves cut through glass panes with a battery-powered disc cutter, gaining access to the museum. They subsequently threatened the guards, leading to an evacuation, and proceeded to steal items from two glass display cases. A preliminary report revealed significant security lapses, with one-third of the raided museum area lacking CCTV coverage, as reported by French media.
French Senator Natalie Goulet expressed national dismay, acknowledging the episode as "very painful" for France. She voiced disappointment and anger over how the heist could have occurred so effortlessly. Goulet further noted that the gallery's local alarm system was recently dysfunctional, pending investigation to determine if it was intentionally disabled.
France's culture ministry confirmed that the museum's broader alarm systems did activate, with staff adhering to protocol by alerting security forces and safeguarding visitors. Additionally, the gang attempted to set their vehicle ablaze outside, thwarted by a museum staff member's intervention, as noted by the ministry.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati, speaking to French news outlet TF1, detailed footage depicting the masked robbers calmly entering and smashing display cases containing the jewels. She characterized the thieves as experienced, with a meticulously planned escape on scooters. Currently, around 60 investigators are working on the case, and prosecutors suggest the heist was executed under orders from a criminal organization.
Authorities are on the lookout for four suspects and are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the escape route. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes during the museum's evacuation, with subsequent images showing entrances secured with metal gates. The stolen items, including diadems, necklaces, earrings, and brooches, are from the 19th century, originally belonging to French royalty or imperial rulers. Two additional items, including Empress Eugénie's crown, were found near the scene, having been dropped during the escape.
Chris Marinello, chief executive of Art Recovery International, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that crowns and diadems could be dismantled and sold in parts. He expressed skepticism about the likelihood of selling the jewels intact.
Earlier this year, Louvre officials sought assistance from the French government for renovations and enhanced security of the museum's aging exhibition halls. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged redesign efforts as part of the New Renaissance project, anticipated to cost between £700 million and £800 million.
Currently, the museum has not provided information on when it may reopen to the public. Although typically closed on Tuesdays, the earliest possible reopening would be Wednesday. The heist has ignited political uproar, with Macron condemning the raid as "an attack on our history." National Rally leader Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen of Front Nationale also voiced strong reactions, describing the incident as an "intolerable humiliation" and a "wound to the French soul," respectively.
The Louvre has faced thefts before, notably in 1911 with the Mona Lisa and in 1998 with a painting by Camille Corot. The recent spate of thefts targeting French museums raises ongoing concerns, with notable incidents occurring at the Adrien Dubouché Museum in Limoges and the Hieron Museum in Burgundy.