Police in Paris are on high alert after thieves stormed the world's most visited museum, the Louvre, and made off with priceless jewels worth millions. The brazen daylight robbery took place on Sunday morning when four masked suspects used a mechanical ladder to break into the first-floor Gallery of Apollo, where France's royal jewels were on display.
The gang, believed to be professionals, used battery-powered disc cutters to gain access to the building and then made their escape on mopeds. The thieves targeted the Galeria d'Apollon gallery, stealing nine items including a crown belonging to Napoleon III's wife Empress Eugénie, which was found nearby after being seemingly dropped by the thieves.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the stolen jewels as "priceless" and of "immeasurable heritage value", highlighting their cultural significance. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.
The theft has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at the Louvre, which attracts millions of visitors each year. American tourists Jim and Joan Carpenter were turned away from the museum after security guards told them there were "technical difficulties".
The stolen items include a gold tiara encrusted with diamonds and pearls, as well as a silver necklace featuring green jewels. The police are working to track down the thieves and recover the stolen artifacts.
The incident has sparked outrage among Parisians and art lovers around the world, who are shocked by the brazen nature of the theft. The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, housing some of the most iconic works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa.
The gang, believed to be professionals, used battery-powered disc cutters to gain access to the building and then made their escape on mopeds. The thieves targeted the Galeria d'Apollon gallery, stealing nine items including a crown belonging to Napoleon III's wife Empress Eugénie, which was found nearby after being seemingly dropped by the thieves.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the stolen jewels as "priceless" and of "immeasurable heritage value", highlighting their cultural significance. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.
The theft has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at the Louvre, which attracts millions of visitors each year. American tourists Jim and Joan Carpenter were turned away from the museum after security guards told them there were "technical difficulties".
The stolen items include a gold tiara encrusted with diamonds and pearls, as well as a silver necklace featuring green jewels. The police are working to track down the thieves and recover the stolen artifacts.
The incident has sparked outrage among Parisians and art lovers around the world, who are shocked by the brazen nature of the theft. The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, housing some of the most iconic works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa.
I mean, I get it, priceless jewels are a big deal and all that jazz... but can't they just leave some stuff in the Louvre for us to enjoy? 
Like, I know security is important and all, but four masked suspects just breezing in like it's no biggie? 
And what's up with the "technical difficulties" excuse for American tourists? 
That's just a nice way of saying they got turned away because the museum was too busy or something. 
I mean, I know it's not like it's going to be lost forever, but still... 
It's just one of those things where you're like "okay, thieves, you've got some sweet loot, but can't you just leave the history behind?" 
i mean, we're not just talking about priceless jewels here, but irreplaceable pieces of history that bring us together as human beings. yet, the fact that thieves could so easily breach security and make off with these treasures raises questions about our priorities as a society. are we more concerned with protecting material wealth or preserving cultural heritage? 
This robbery is like a nightmare come true! 
How could people be so reckless and heartless? 
Those priceless jewels are part of history, not just valuable things. We should be more concerned about preserving them than making a quick getaway. 
The security measures at the Louvre should be super tight, like Fort Knox 
. It's crazy that Americans were even turned away due to "technical difficulties" while thieves are stealing millions! 
This incident is definitely going to spark some major changes. 
It's just so frustrating! 
. I hope they catch those thieves and get the jewels back, but it's just so disappointing 
. The Louvre is supposed to be this sacred place where people can learn and appreciate art... now it feels like a playground for thieves 
.
. Like, I get that they're after something valuable, but stealing from a museum of art? That's just heartbreaking 
. I mean, think of all the history and culture those pieces represent 
. And to make matters worse, the American tourists were turned away because of "technical difficulties" 
. I'm sending all my vibes to the French authorities for getting to the bottom of this 
.
I'm so disappointed to hear about this 
. The Louvre's security system should be top-notch considering how many people visit every year 
. The thought of all those priceless treasures being stolen is heartbreaking 
. I mean, we're always talking about how the rich and powerful are protected by these fancy security systems, but when it comes to something as valuable as a museum's collection, they can't even get it right 
. Not just about how to lock down museums, but also about how to distribute that wealth and power in a way that actually makes sense 
.
i'm still shaking my head over this whole thing. security at the Louvre needs to step up their game, like, seriously 
cant believe some people would do something so reckless. American tourists got turned away because of "technical difficulties" 
meanwhile, the police are left trying to track down these masterminds 
. I'm glued to the news and socials, waiting for updates - who knows what other surprises we've got in store? 
Oh my gosh, this is crazy! I mean, who steals from the Louvre?! 
What's next?!?! They're gonna rob the Eiffel Tower or something! 
I feel for those security guards who had to turn away American tourists like that, though. That's just not cool. Hopefully the police can catch these thieves and get the stuff back where it belongs. 
... and to think they used mopeds to get away 
... anyway, it's gotta be super frustrating for the people who work there and the ones who can't even get in because of "technical difficulties" 
Just kidding, but seriously, who needs that kind of security fail at one of the world's most famous museums?! 
That's some next-level sneaky right there! 
On a more serious note (just for a sec, don't worry 
), millions of people rely on that museum to enjoy some culture and history. Hopefully, these thieves won't get away with it and the authorities can crack down on their operation ASAP 
! The security measures at that museum should be seriously upgraded ASAP 
. The Mona Lisa was basically 'borrowed' too, she's like the ultimate target 
. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez needs to step up his game 
#LouvreHeist #MuseumSecurity #ThievesInTheNight
But seriously, this is a huge deal and I hope they catch these thieves ASAP 
. Those stolen items are worth millions and it's a shame that they couldn't be recovered 
.