Paris: In a shocking broad daylight robbery that stunned visitors and authorities alike, four masked thieves executed a precision heist at the Louvre Museum on Sunday, stealing eight royal jewels of immense historical and cultural value. The seven-minute operation, captured on CCTV and shared by French media, has raised serious concerns about the state of museum security across France.

A daylight robbery caught on camera

The incident occurred around 10:40 am, barely 40 minutes after the museum opened to the public. The thieves, described as “highly professional” by French police, entered the Apollo Gallery — home to France’s treasured crown jewels — using a furniture hoist.

A video shared by BFMTV shows one of the suspects cutting through a reinforced glass display case using an angle grinder, as unaware visitors walked past. “It was like a Hollywood movie,” said an American tourist quoted by AFP, describing the “crazy” scene that unfolded in minutes.

According to Paris chief prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the robbers threatened museum guards with their tools before smashing open two high-security cases. They then made their escape on high-powered scooters, disappearing into the streets of Paris before police could respond.

‘An experienced team’ behind the heist

Initial investigations suggest that the robbery was planned meticulously and likely involved an international gang. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities believe the suspects are “experienced professionals, possibly foreigners,” who knew exactly what they were targeting.

“This incident exposes a weak spot in our cultural security framework,” Nunez acknowledged, promising an immediate review of security arrangements at all national museums.

The Louvre Museum, visited by nearly 8.9 million people last year, has not experienced a robbery of this scale in nearly four decades. The last known theft at the museum was in 1988, when a painting by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot was stolen.

What the thieves stole — and what they left behind

According to a statement from France’s Ministry of Culture, eight priceless items of royal jewellery were stolen from two display cases. The missing pieces include:

  • A sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a 19th-century set linked to Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.
  • An emerald necklace and matching earrings that belonged to Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • A reliquary brooch, Empress Eugénie’s diadem, and her corsage-bow brooch, part of an elaborate imperial ensemble.

In their haste to flee, the thieves accidentally dropped Empress Eugénie’s crown, which was later recovered but sustained damage. Experts say the stolen artefacts, crafted by some of the finest 19th-century jewellers, are considered “irreplaceable” pieces of France’s royal heritage.

Investigation underway

Authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for the suspects. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby streets and cross-checking data from scooter registrations and GPS signals. Border controls have also been alerted.

Forensic teams are analysing the crime scene, including the damaged glass and tools left behind, to identify DNA or fingerprints. Meanwhile, international agencies like Interpol have been notified, given the high likelihood of the jewels being smuggled abroad.

Museum officials said the Louvre will remain open but certain galleries, including the Apollo Gallery, will stay closed until security upgrades are completed.

A wake-up call for museum security

Security experts say the heist has exposed vulnerabilities in France’s cultural institutions. Despite being equipped with advanced systems, museums often struggle with balancing accessibility for visitors and safeguarding priceless collections.

“This robbery is a major embarrassment,” said Paris-based art historian Dr. Elise Fournier. “It reveals how even the most iconic museums can be breached with careful planning and the right tools.”

The Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and tens of thousands of artefacts spanning centuries, remains one of the world’s most secure museums. Yet, this latest theft has reignited debates on the need for stricter security protocols and modernised display technologies.

Conclusion

As the French authorities intensify their search for the culprits, the daring Louvre heist stands as a stark reminder that even the most fortified cultural landmarks are not immune to criminal ingenuity. The stolen jewels, symbolising centuries of royal legacy, now represent a race against time — a test of how swiftly France can recover its stolen treasures.