Thieves Steal Crown Jewels from Louvre Museum: Reports

Burglars broke into the Louvre Museum Sunday, making off with a number of jewelry items from the collection of Napoleon and Joséphine Bonaparte, according to reports.

Based on initial findings from the investigation at the Louvre, hooded criminals gained access to a side of the building that is undergoing construction, French news site Le Parisien reported. Two thieves broke windows and entered the building, while a third remained outside.

Using the freight elevator, they entered the Apollo Gallery and stole nine pieces from the Crown Jewels belonging to Napoleon and Josephine, including a necklace, a brooch and a tiara. However, they didn’t snatch the Regent, the largest diamond in the collection at over 140 carats. The museum has not assessed the total amount of the loss.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati visited the site at the museum along with police. No injuries were reported, she said. The Louvre posted on X that it would remain closed Sunday for “exceptional reasons.” All visitors that were in the building at the time of the robbery have been locked inside pending investigations, reports stated.

Image: The Louvre Museum. (Louve Museum)