The Louvre in France announced on the evening of 19th local time that a burglary occurred in the Apollo Gallery of the museum that morning. The gallery holds French royal jewels and the "Crown Diamond" collection. Two high-security display cabinets were targeted, and a total of eight pieces of jewelry with "immeasurable historical value" were stolen, including:
- Queen Mary-Amelie and Queen Othans.
- Queen Mary-Amelie's and Queen Othans's blue gemstone necklace;
- Queen Mary-Amelie and Queen Othans.
- Empress Marie-Louise's emerald necklace;
- A pair of emerald earrings from Queen Marie-Louise;
- A chest needle called the “Sacred Thing Tile”;
- Crown of Queen Owen;
- Queen Eugenie's large chest bow brooch.
The announcement pointed out that the alarm systems on the exterior windows of the gallery and the two display cabinets have been activated. The invasion was "extremely rapid and destructive."
At the time, the five staff in the exhibition hall and adjacent areas immediately followed the security procedures, first contacted the police and protected the personnel on the scene.
The Louvre said that due to the staff's quick response and proper handling, the suspect abandoned some equipment and the stolen Queen Eugenie crown when fleeing. The condition of the crown is currently under evaluation.
Earlier, French media that the suspects stole nine jewelry, including Queen Eugenie's crown in two jewelry have been recovered, the news has not been confirmed by the French police.
In addition, the Louvre said the suspect was stopped by a Louvre employee when he attempted to set fire to the mechanical equipment used (a suspected lifting device) and the criminals then fled.
No one was injured in the incident.
△ Queen Marie-Louise's emerald necklace and earrings (data map)
French Minister of Culture Dati expressed gratitude to the Louvre staff for their response and professionalism, and pointed out that under the framework of the "Louvre-New Renaissance Plan" announced by President Macron at the beginning of the year, the museum is deploying a new security system, including:
- A new generation of surveillance camera systems;
- Perimeter intrusion detection system;
- The Central Security Command Center.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has filed an investigation into the allegations of “organized gang theft” and “association to commit crimes”.The case was investigated under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office by the Paris Police Department.