Unprecedented Robbery at Louvre: Priceless Treasures Vanish in Minutes

Unprecedented Robbery at Louvre: Priceless Treasures Vanish in Minutes

In a meticulously planned operation, thieves escape with priceless jewels from the world's most-visited museum, leaving authorities and the public in shock

Story: Major Heist Shuts Down Louvre Museum; Priceless Jewels Stolen

Story Summary

The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed due to a major robbery that saw priceless jewels stolen in a swift, seven-minute heist. The robbers, who used a basket lift and a disc cutter to gain access, managed to escape on motorbikes, leaving only a single jewel behind. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to recover the stolen items, highlighting their invaluable cultural and historical significance. The incident has sparked global concern about the security of cultural institutions and the vulnerability of world treasures.

Full Story

Paris' Louvre Museum Closed Following Major Robbery

The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed following a major robbery that took place at the opening of the museum on Sunday, according to France's culture minister Rachida Dati. No injuries have been reported and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Context and Incident Details

The Louvre, known as the world's most-visited museum, was abruptly closed for the day following the heist, causing long lines of visitors to be turned away. In an emergency evacuation, frightened crowds were seen leaving the museum, as reported by Corriere della Sera.

According to multiple sources, including Fox News and Le Monde, the criminals allegedly broke into the museum from the outside using a basket lift and a disc cutter to slice through glass panes, thereby gaining access to precious jewels. The heist, described as a 'major robbery' by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, reportedly lasted for a mere seven minutes.

The thieves then escaped on motorbikes, leaving authorities and the public in shock. A jewel was later found near the museum, although the majority of the stolen items, described as priceless, remain missing.

Investigation and Response

Following the incident, French culture minister Rachida Dati referred to the event as a 'heist'. Police were immediately dispatched to the scene and the museum remains closed for investigations.

The French Interior Ministry stated that a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled, emphasizing that beyond their market value, these items hold inestimable heritage and historical value. Visitors were evacuated from the Louvre as soon as the robbery became known, according to TASS.

French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to find the stolen jewelry, as stated by TASS, underlining the gravity of the situation. According to the Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, the thieves entered the museum using a mobile manlift they had brought to its wall, suggesting a level of professionalism and premeditation in the crime.

Current Status and Implications

As of now, the Louvre remains closed for 'exceptional reasons' as the police continue their investigation. The robbery, which reportedly took the professionals just four minutes to execute, has raised questions about the security measures at one of the world's most famous museums.

The authorities are under pressure to recover the stolen items, not just due to their financial worth, but more importantly, their historical and cultural significance. This event has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of cultural treasures worldwide, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.

The investigation continues, with the world waiting for answers and the return of the priceless stolen jewels.