Louvre Museum Robbery: Thieves Steal Crown Jewels in Broad Daylight, Exposing Security Lapse

 Louvre Museum Robbery: Thieves Steal Crown Jewels in Broad Daylight, Exposing Security Lapse

By deepoct | Paris | October 20, 2025

In a shocking daylight heist that’s being called an “embarrassment” for French authorities, a group of thieves broke into the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris on Monday morning, escaping with a collection of jewellery believed to be part of France’s remaining crown jewels.

According to reports, the break-in occurred around 9:30 AM local time (8:30 BST) — just minutes before the museum opened to the public. The robbers, armed with small chainsaws, cut through display cases in the Apollo Gallery, located on the museum’s south side, and made off with several valuable items. Eyewitnesses said the culprits fled the scene on a scooter, vanishing into Paris’s bustling streets before security personnel could react.

BBC’s Paris correspondent Andrew Harding described the event as a “humiliation for security forces,” highlighting the boldness of the operation and the apparent lack of preparedness at one of the world’s most secure cultural institutions. The Apollo Gallery, known for its ornate décor and historical artifacts, houses what remains of the French crown jewels—a national treasure and symbol of royal heritage.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. Despite tight security protocols at the Louvre, questions are now being raised about how such a brazen robbery could occur in one of Europe’s most heavily monitored museums.

Experts say the stolen pieces could be extremely difficult to sell due to their historical significance and traceability, suggesting the thieves may attempt to dismantle or smuggle them through underground networks. French officials have yet to confirm the exact value or list of stolen items.

This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile art and jewellery thefts in Europe, reigniting concerns about the vulnerability of major museums despite advanced surveillance systems. As investigations continue, the Louvre faces tough scrutiny over its security standards and crisis response.

For now, the world watches as Paris authorities work to recover the missing jewels and restore confidence in one of its most treasured landmarks.