The Louvre Museum witnessed its most significant robbery since the infamous theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, as thieves absconded with valuable jewels, raising alarms over the institution's security measures.
On Sunday morning, a professional gang broke into the Apollo Gallery, demonstrating a clear intent and advanced planning. According to France's interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, the operation took only seven minutes from entry to exit, indicating a well-crafted strategy.
Utilizing a truck with an elevating platform, the thieves accessed the gallery from the first floor, swiftly cutting into the window to enter. Their targets included two display cases housing remnants of the French crown jewels, primarily artifacts from the 19th century that belong to the imperial families of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Eight items were taken, including diadems and necklaces previously owned by influential figures such as Empress Eugénie and Empress Marie-Louise. Notably, a crown once belonging to Eugénie was recovered near the museum after it was apparently dropped during the escape.
Despite alarms being activated and staff following protocol to inform security, the incident showcases vulnerabilities that must be addressed. In light of the recent surge in art thefts, including previous instances involving raw gold and porcelain in France, serious questions arise regarding the current protective measures in place at major art venues.
This heist underscores the need for heightened security as valuable jewels are increasingly targeted by criminal networks that prioritize items easy to convert into cash over iconic paintings that cannot be easily sold.
Experts speculate that the stolen jewels will soon find their way onto the black market, prompting calls for urgent reviews and improvements to the security strategies employed across French museums.
