In a bold daytime robbery, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, stealing priceless jewels in just seven minutes. The robbers used power tools and a special lift to enter through a window and take valuable items from the Apollo Gallery, which displays France’s crown jewels.
The gang, believed to be three or four people, used scooters to get to and from the scene. Although they managed to escape, they dropped a famous crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The crown, covered in diamonds and emeralds, was found damaged near the museum.
The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and home to the Mona Lisa, was closed for the rest of the day so police could investigate. Soldiers and police officers guarded the area while visitors were evacuated.
The stolen items were taken from two display cases, but it is still unknown exactly what else was lost. Experts worry the jewels may be broken apart and sold, as they are too well-known to sell as they are.
The robbery happened just 800 metres from police headquarters. A witness saw the thieves break the window and enter in only 30 seconds, before riding off on scooters.
This robbery is part of a troubling trend, with several other French museums targeted recently. The French government now plans to improve museum security as part of a larger renovation of the Louvre.
Despite the theft, the museum remains a symbol of French history and culture. Authorities continue searching for the robbers and the missing treasures.
