State of the World from NPR A Brazen Theft from France’s Most Famous Museum
Oct 21, 2025
In a bold daylight heist, thieves stole millions in jewels from the Louvre in just seven minutes. They used a moving truck and scooters for their escape. The stolen items include priceless Napoleonic tiaras and crowns, raising concerns about cultural loss. Security lapses at the museum have sparked public outrage and political backlash. Investigators are hunting for an organized gang and exploring undercover sting operations, while experts worry about the fate of the jewels if dismantled. This incident highlights a shocking breach of heritage and security.
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Quick Daylight Break-In At The Louvre
- Four men drove a moving truck, climbed a ladder and entered the Louvre through an upper-floor window in broad daylight.
- They cut open a display case with an electric saw, grabbed 19th-century royal jewels, and escaped on scooters within minutes.
Historic Jewels Face Rapid Destruction Risk
- The thieves stole tiaras, crowns, earrings and necklaces from the Napoleonic era worth hundreds of millions in dollar terms.
- Experts warn the cultural value is inestimable and the jewels could be quickly dismantled or melted for sale.
Security Failures Highlight Museum Vulnerabilities
- Observers reported security failures including a gallery alarm that didn't sound when thieves entered and possible windows without alarms.
- Critics link the breach to long-standing mismanagement and underinvestment in modern museum security.