Louvre Museum in Paris Forced to Shut Doors After Brazen 7-Minute Heist
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Louvre-Paris-robbers-101925-04-5cf0f6aeb4fd4aada6693856bcc61a42.jpg)
The Louvre Museum in Paris was rudely interrupted on Sunday, October 19th, by a daring jewelry heist that forced the closure of this iconic institution. According to reports, armed thieves wielding power tools struck at around 9:30 a.m., escaping with jewellery worth millions of pounds that had been on display. The Louvre spokesperson confirmed the shocking incident, stating that the robbers swiftly entered through a window in the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery) while it was open to the public.
The thieves wasted no time rifling through display cases, snatching valuables, and making a speedy getaway on motorcycles. A detailed list of the stolen items is underway as authorities scramble to investigate the heist. Apart from their monetary value, these pieces hold significant heritage and historical importance. The Ministers of Culture and the Interior were quickly on the scene to assess the situation.
As a precautionary measure and to aid the ongoing investigation, museum officials took the decision to close the Louvre, ensuring the preservation of evidence related to the theft. France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed that no injuries were reported amongst visitors, staff, or law enforcement during the incident. Nonetheless, the daring nature of the heist has stunned both officials and the public alike.
Reports suggest that the thieves utilised small chainsaws and angle grinders to gain access to the targeted room, with the entire operation lasting a mere seven minutes. Le Parisien indicated the involvement of four individuals, two of whom disguised themselves as museum workers in yellow vests, while the other two waited on scooters for a quick escape. Notably, valuable jewelry from prominent collections, including pieces from Napoleon and Empresses Marie-Louise and Eugenie, were among the items stolen.
In the aftermath, the Louvre continued its closure as efforts were made to retrieve the stolen pieces. With police and forensic teams combing over the crime scene, the Paris prosecutor’s office categorised the heist as an “organised theft.” Soldiers were deployed to patrol the area, as a rigorous investigation unfolded to bring the culprits to justice. Fortunately, a glimmer of hope emerged as some items were recovered in the vicinity of the museum, offering a beacon of light in an otherwise gloomy event.
The Apollo Gallery, housing France’s revered jewels, including historical diamonds linked to Napoleon’s second wife, Empress Marie Louise, faced a significant blow. The closure of the Louvre, known for its priceless art and artefacts, sent shockwaves through the city of light and the art world at large. The museum’s decision to keep its doors shut on subsequent days signalled the gravity of the situation and the determination to apprehend those responsible for defacing this cultural treasure.
As the investigation intensifies, Parisians and visitors worldwide hold their collective breath, hoping for the swift recovery of the stolen pieces and the perpetrators facing swift justice. The brazen heist at the Louvre serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in securing cherished cultural heritage against audacious criminals. The resilience shown by authorities and museum officials reflects a commitment to safeguarding history and art for future generations to cherish.