Daring Louvre Heist: Thieves Use Truck Lift to Steal French Crown Jewels
A daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum saw thieves use a truck lift to steal priceless French crown jewels, prompting presidential condemnation and a national security review.
Overview
Thieves executed a daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum's Galerie d'Apollon, using a truck lift to break in through a second-floor window and target French crown jewels.
The theft occurred on a Sunday morning, approximately 30 minutes after the museum opened, with thieves smashing display cases and stealing eight priceless Napoleonic jewels.
Four suspects are being sought in a manhunt after they fled the scene on motorbikes and scooters, specifically Yamaha 'TMax' models, following the coordinated operation.
Among the stolen items, Empress Eugénie's broken crown was recovered damaged outside the Louvre, having been dropped by the fleeing thieves during their escape.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft as an attack on France's heritage, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered a national reassessment of museum security.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Louvre heist as a daring and spectacular assault on priceless French heritage. They consistently employ dramatic language and emphasize the immense value and historical significance of the stolen jewels. This collective editorial choice highlights the audacity of the thieves and the cultural impact of the loss, rather than focusing primarily on security lapses or broader systemic issues.
Sources (38)
Center (19)
FAQ
The thieves used a truck lift to break in through a second-floor window of the Louvre Museum's Galerie d'Apollon.
The stolen items included a tiara, necklace, and earring from Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily and Hortense de Beauharnais set, an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie Louise's set, and items belonging to Empress Eugénie. The Crown of Empress Eugénie was dropped during the escape and recovered damaged.
Four suspects are being sought, and they fled the scene on motorbikes and scooters, specifically Yamaha 'TMax' models.
History
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