Authorities Intensify Search for Stolen Royal Jewels from Louvre

French authorities have escalated their efforts to recover priceless royal jewels stolen from the Louvre during a daring daylight heist. Nine items of jewelry, including a crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, were taken by a group of four thieves who executed the robbery in less than five minutes. The theft, which occurred on March 12, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the nation, with officials expressing concern over security at major cultural sites.

The stolen crown was found damaged shortly after the incident on the escape route along the River Seine. As of now, eight royal jewels remain missing, and investigators are racing against the clock to secure their recovery. According to Erin Thompson, an art crime expert at John Jay College, the stolen items can easily be dismantled and sold on the legitimate market, complicating recovery efforts. “They stole items that can be easily taken apart, melted down, recut, and sold,” Thompson stated.

In a television interview on March 11, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that over 60 investigators are now involved in the case. The prosecutor’s office has obtained security camera footage of the thieves arriving at the museum shortly before the theft, and they reportedly spent only four minutes inside the world-renowned gallery. Investigators are analyzing a vest and equipment left behind, along with a spilled liquid from a truck that was used to position a ladder against the museum wall.

Art security specialist Anthony Amore noted that the thieves may be taking their time to assess how to monetize their stolen goods. He emphasized the critical nature of the early investigation, stating, “I think right now the pieces are probably intact… it’s up to the museum and the French authorities to act properly in this critical first couple of days.”

The Louvre was closed on the day of the robbery, and it remains uncertain whether it will reopen on March 13. This has left many foreign visitors to Paris in a state of uncertainty. Jacob Barker, an American tourist present during the heist, described the chaotic scene in the Galerie D’Apollon. “We didn’t know if there was one chainsaw-wielding robber behind that window or if there were 100 mass terrorists,” Barker recounted. “We knew that we didn’t want to stick around to find out.”

The theft has sparked significant media attention, with several French newspapers dubbing it the “heist of the century.” This incident has added pressure to an already beleaguered French government, which is grappling with ongoing social unrest and political challenges. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed disappointment in a radio interview, stating, “We have failed,” and emphasized the negative image this heist represents for the nation. “The French people all feel like they’ve been robbed,” he added.

This incident has reignited discussions about the security of France’s cultural landmarks, particularly following a series of similar robberies. Tour guide Claudine Hemingway expressed her shock at the event, comparing it to the devastating fire at Notre Dame in 2019. “I think in a way I’m still in shock. You cannot believe that this happened,” she reflected.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on recovering the stolen jewels and reinforcing security measures at France’s iconic cultural sites. The outcome may have lasting implications for how such treasures are protected in the future.