The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced its most significant robbery since the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, casting a spotlight on the museum's security protocols and the increasing boldness of art thefts in France. The heist took place on Sunday morning when a gang of thieves executed a rapid operation that lasted a mere seven minutes.
Reports indicate the gang, described as highly professional, entered the Apollo Gallery using a truck outfitted with an elevating platform. They then cut through a window to access the display cases housing various pieces of French crown jewels, including items belonging to Napoleon’s family. Total, eight items were taken, prominently featuring necklaces, earrings, and diadems.
Among the stolen items was the Empress Eugénie Brooch, which belonged to the wife of Napoleon III, with authorities recovering a damaged crown after it was apparently dropped during the escape. The museum's culture ministry confirmed that alarms were triggered, and staff immediately followed emergency protocols.
Recent months have seen a sharp increase in audacious art thefts, highlighting vulnerabilities in museum security across France. Previous incidents included the theft of raw gold from the Natural History Museum and a significant porcelain heist in Limoges. In light of these developments, French authorities are re-evaluating their security strategies to better safeguard valuable cultural artifacts.
This brazen robbery not only incited discussions on the safety of famous artworks but also illuminated the preferences of criminal gangs, who typically target valuable items easily resold on the black market.
