Chainsaw-Wielding Robbers Break Into Louvre, Flee With Napoleon’s Jewels: What We Know So Far About Paris Heist

<p>In a shocking incident early Sunday morning, a group of robbers armed with chainsaws broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and escaped with jewellery, prompting authorities to shut the world-famous attraction for the day.</p>
<p>According to multiple reports cited by AFP and BBC, the assailants carried out the heist between 9:30 and 9:40 a.m. (local time) before fleeing the scene. Police confirmed that the value of the stolen items is still being assessed.</p>
<h3><strong>Robbers Used Chainsaws And a Lift to Access Targeted Room</strong></h3>
<p>Investigators told AFP that the thieves arrived on a scooter equipped with small chainsaws. They reportedly used a goods lift to reach the targeted room inside the museum before escaping.</p>
<p>According to Visegr&aacute;d 24, thieves reportedly stole several jewels from Napoleon&rsquo;s collection &mdash; including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara.&nbsp;</p>
<p>France&rsquo;s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating, &ldquo;A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries reported. I&rsquo;m on site with museum staff and police.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Shortly afterwards, the Louvre announced on X that it would remain closed for the day &ldquo;for exceptional reasons.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Police Seal Off Area, Launch Investigation</strong></h3>
<p>According to BBC, French police have cordoned off access to the Louvre and a major adjoining road along the River Seine. The focus of the investigation is reportedly centred on the building&rsquo;s south-east corner overlooking the river.</p>
<p>A large extendable ladder &mdash; similar to those used by fire brigades or furniture movers &mdash; was seen propped up against a balcony, which police believe the robbers used to enter one of the upper floors.</p>
<p>The Paris Public Prosecutor&rsquo;s Office said it has opened an inquiry into suspected &ldquo;organised theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime.&rdquo; It confirmed that jewellery had been stolen from the museum, and that the investigation is being led by a specialist unit tackling illegal trafficking of cultural property.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The damage is currently being assessed. Investigations are ongoing,&rdquo; the prosecutor&rsquo;s office said in a statement, as per BBC.</p>
<p>Police and museum officials were seen managing large crowds of disappointed tourists stranded outside the venue following its sudden closure.</p>
<p>The Louvre, once the royal palace of French kings before Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles in the 17th century, remains the world&rsquo;s most visited museum, welcoming nearly nine million visitors last year.</p>