Louvre Museum.
Credit: Reuters photo
Sunday saw peculiar events occur in the heart of the French capital as the renowned Louvre Museum became a target of a daring heist. During broad daylight, four thieves made off with jewellery of "incalculable" value, leaving both authorities and the onlookers stunned.
The aftermath of this incident saw people questioning the security at one of the world's most visited museums. On Monday, the museum remained closed as the police were still searching for the culprits.
Here's what we know so far about the heist.
How did the heist happen?
At 9:30 am on Sunday, 4 thieves, arrived at a southern corner of the Louvre with an electric ladder mounted on a truck.
Two of them rode the ladder to the museum’s second-floor Apollo Gallery, which houses France’s collection of crown jewels.
The two masked thieves used power tools to break through a window at 9:34 am. They didn't seem to be armed, but threatened five of the security guards who were nearby.
They smashed two display cases and grabbed some jewels before quickly exiting through the broken window.
What all did they steal?
The thieves stole 8 precious pieces of jewellery including a Tiara from the jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, Necklace from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, Earring, part of a pair from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, Emerald necklace from the Marie-Louise set, Pair of emerald earrings from the Marie-Louise set, Brooch known as the reliquary brooch, Tiara of Empress Eugénie and Large bodice knot (brooch) of Empress Eugénie.
However, while escaping they dropped the crown of Empress Eugenie which was made of gold, emerald and diamonds.
Why was the museum closed?
It was not made clear why the museum was closed on Monday since authorities had already collected all the forensic data from the crime scene.
The authorities said that Louvre will be closed one more day since they have an off on Tuesday.
Money will be refunded to those who had booked to see the place on Monday.
Security at the Louvre
France's Ministry of Culture said that two alarms — one on the window, another on the display cases — had rung and that security guards followed the proper security protocol, which is to protect visitors from harm and contact law enforcement. No one was hurt during the robbery.
Are there any leads?
The prosecutor, said that “anything is possible” and that investigators were not ruling out any hypotheses at this stage, even foreign interference. But she said organised crime was a likely culprit.
The speed of the heist suggested the thieves were experienced, she said. But it is unclear whom they might be working for and what they aimed to do with the stolen jewels.
History of the Museum
The Louvre was once a Royal palace that was transformed into a museum after the French Revolution. It attracts tourists from all across the world and plays host to the beloved Leonardo Da Vinci's painting -- the Mona Lisa.
It drew about 8.7 million visitors last year, nearly 80 per cent of them from countries other than France.
(With inputs from NYT)