Security measures failed in preventing a major jewellery heist in the Louvre museum in Paris on Sunday, creating a very negative image of the country, the French justice minister has said.
People were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image, Gérald Darmanin stated.
Thieves wielding power tools broke into the world's most-visited museum in broad daylight, stealing eight items described as being of inestimable value, before escaping on scooters.
There are fears that unless the thieves are quickly apprehended, the priceless items—including a diamond and emerald necklace that Emperor Napoleon gave to his wife—will be broken up and smuggled out of the country.
Darmanin expressed confidence that police would eventually catch the culprits, however, Chris Marinello, head of an organization specializing in recovering stolen artworks, warned that the stolen jewellery could be long gone within the next 24-48 hours if the thieves are not caught swiftly.
In the heist that lasted merely seven minutes, the thieves used a truck with a mechanical lift to gain access to the museum, threating guards and evacuating building staff before smashing display cases to steal valuables.
The stolen items included a necklace gifted by Napoleon to Empress Marie Louise, a diadem encrusted with nearly 2,000 diamonds belonging to Empress Eugénie, and a necklace belonging to the last queen of France, among others.
Alarmingly, as the museum's alarms triggered and security forces were contacted, the thieves attempted to set fire to their vehicle, but this action was thwarted by a museum staff member.
This heist has sparked intense discussions about the security protocols at one of the world's most iconic museums and the potential fallout on France's international reputation.
