Eight crown jewels still missing after Louvre heist

The world’s most-visited museum remained closed to the public on Monday after thieves escaped with eight priceless pieces from France’s crown jewels exhibit.

Alarms on both the window and cases were triggered, according to the French culture ministry. Ministry of the Interior Laurent Nuñez told broadcaster Franceinfo that the robbery lasted only seven minutes in total. The thieves used a cherry picker and an angle grinder to open the window. They made their escape on scooters, he said. The thieves also dropped one item during their escape—the crown of Empress Eugénie, according to a translation of a statement by the Louvre. No one was injured in the incident, Nuñez said.

What was stolen?

• An emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings belonging to Empress Marie Louise, Napoleon’s wife.

• The tiara and brooch of Empress Eugénie.

• A tiara, necklace, and one earring from a sapphire set that belonged to Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense.

• A reliquary brooch.

What did French authorities say about the robbery? The Paris prosecutor’s office was leading intensive efforts to recover the stolen pieces, French President Emmanuel Macron said. The Louvre New Renaissance project, launched in January, would strengthen the museum’s security and guard French culture, he said.

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