Daring Daylight Heist Forces Louvre to Close After Priceless Jewels Stolen

 

            Thieves used a basket lift to enter the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, on Sunday morning.

Paris was shaken on Sunday morning when thieves carried out a brazen daylight robbery at the world-renowned Louvre Museum. According to French officials, the culprits used a basket lift to access the building, forced open a window, and smashed display cases before escaping with jewels described as being of “inestimable value”.

The heist, which lasted only about seven minutes, unfolded just as the museum was opening its doors to visitors. Police quickly sealed off the site, evacuated tourists, and launched a forensic investigation. Authorities believe the thieves had carefully scouted the museum beforehand, given the precision and speed of the operation.

Among the stolen treasures are jewels linked to France’s imperial past, including pieces from the Napoleonic era, which hold immense historical and cultural significance. No injuries were reported, but the Louvre announced it would remain closed for the day, citing “exceptional reasons.”

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited the scene, underscoring the gravity of the theft. Investigators are now working to identify the suspects, who fled on motor-scooters, and to recover the missing artifacts.

The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, typically welcomes tens of thousands of visitors daily. This unprecedented heist has raised urgent questions about security at one of the globe’s most iconic cultural landmarks.