French Authorities Arrest Two for Louvre Jewel Theft, Reports Say
French authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the recent jewel theft from the Louvre. The arrests took place on Saturday evening. These individuals had previous encounters with law enforcement, making them known to police.
Details of the Louvre Jewel Theft
The incident occurred shortly after the museum opened its doors to the public. According to reports, the gang arrived at the Louvre at 09:30 AM (06:30 GMT). They used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach the Galerie d’Apollon, a balcony located close to the River Seine.
Method of Entry
- The thieves accessed the gallery through a first-floor window.
- Two suspects used power tools to cut through the window.
- They threatened security guards, who promptly evacuated the area.
After entering, the thieves quickly targeted two display cases. They managed to cut through the glass and seize valuable jewels.
Rapid Escape
French police reported that the suspects were inside the museum for only four minutes. After completing the heist, they fled the scene on two waiting scooters, leaving at 09:38 AM.
Investigation and Security Enhancements
The Paris prosecutor’s office has expressed concerns regarding the disclosure of information related to the case. They believe it has compromised efforts to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend additional suspects.
In light of this incident, security measures around France’s cultural institutions are being reassessed and tightened. Notably, a preliminary report indicated that one-third of the rooms in the affected area lacked CCTV cameras, raising concerns about surveillance capabilities.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Specialist police teams are now handling the case. They can question the suspects for up to 96 hours as part of their investigation. The authorities are focused on recovering the stolen items and ensuring that similar incidents do not happen in the future.
