Robbers Steal Priceless Jewels From Louvre In Bold Daylight Heist

A gang of robbers armed with power tools staged an heist at Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, escaping with priceless jewellery after scaling a furniture hoist in broad daylight.

Gatekeepers News reports that the entire operation reportedly lasted just seven minutes. The theft prompted an immediate shutdown of the world-famous museum which is home to the Mona Lisa and other priceless artworks as authorities swarmed the scene.

Police forensic experts were seen entering the building, while heavily armed soldiers patrolled the deserted esplanade outside. Roads around the museum were cordoned off with police tape.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that three of the four robbers used a mechanical hoist to access the museum’s “Gallerie d’Apollon,” where the French crown jewels are displayed. He said the stolen items were of immeasurable value.

The museum’s website notes that the gallery houses treasures such as the Regent, Sancy, and Hortensia diamonds, along with an emerald and diamond necklace once gifted by Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise. Officials, however, have not yet confirmed which of these items were taken.

According to investigators, the thieves arrived between 9:30 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. local time. A police source said they arrived on scooters, armed with angle grinders, and used the hoist to reach the gilded gallery before fleeing the scene — located barely 800 meters from Paris police headquarters.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery, noting that no injuries were reported. The Louvre later announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it would remain closed “for exceptional reasons,” though museum officials declined to provide further details.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident, with authorities still working to determine the total value of the stolen jewels.