Today in Focus The heist of the decade
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Oct 23, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Angelique Chrisafis, the Paris correspondent for The Guardian, shares vivid details of the brazen Louvre burglary, revealing the thieves' rapid four-minute heist and the historical significance of the stolen crown jewels. Joined by Arthur Brand, a renowned stolen art detective, they delve into the professionalism of the criminals, potential fates for the loot, and the broader implications of targeting museums. Both guests reflect on the national shock and evolving crime patterns, heightening the intrigue around this audacious heist.
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Brazen Morning Break-In At The Louvre
- Four men posed as builders, used a furniture hoist and ladder, cut a window and stole jewels from the Apollo Gallery.
- They escaped in four minutes on high-powered motorbikes, dropping the Empress Eugenie's crown in their haste.
Historic Value Over Monetary Value
- The thieves targeted the Apollo Gallery, home to France's crown jewels and a room designed for Louis XIV.
- The haul is estimated at €88 million and included historic pieces with deep revolutionary-era significance.
Jewels With Revolutionary Histories
- Many pieces were once sold after the revolution and later repurchased by the state via fundraising.
- The collection's survival and return to the Musée du Louvre carry a complex political and cultural history.
