The Louvre jewellery heist in October 2025 involved a small group of thieves who used a crane and a temporary access route to reach the Apollo Gallery, where the Crown Jewels were displayed, and then used power tools to break into display cases and steal eight pieces. The theft occurred in broad daylight and lasted only a few minutes before the suspects escaped on scooters, leaving investigators with several clues and ongoing DNA and video evidence to pursue. Prosecutors have pegged the haul at around €88 million ($102 million), and the case has prompted questions about museum security and incident response. Key points you may want to know
- How it happened
- The thieves reportedly climbed a ladder from a truck-mounted platform and gained entry through a window or display area in the Apollo Gallery. They used angle grinders to smash cases and quickly removed eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels, including Napoleon-era pieces, before fleeing. The operation was executed within roughly four to seven minutes, depending on the account.
- The escape
- After the theft, the suspects departed on scooters, with initial attempts to ignite the crane and tool setup failing. Surveillance footage and witness accounts have contributed to a growing but still incomplete timeline of events.
- What was stolen
- The eight pieces belonged to the crown jewels of Napoleon and Empress Eugénie, valued at approximately €88 million. This value is widely cited in official statements and reporting.
- Investigation status
- DNA traces were found on a helmet and gloves at the scene, and authorities are reviewing newly surfaced video showing the escape sequence. A large-scale investigative effort, with hundreds of officers and investigators, continues to pursue the suspects.
- Security context
- Experts and commentators have noted that high-profile museums can be attractive targets due to the potential for melting down or selling pieces, and that large-scale, daylight heists challenge standard security assumptions. The Louvre investigation is being watched closely for how security protocols may adapt in major institutions.
If you’d like, I can pull concise summaries from specific outlets or provide a timeline distilled from multiple reports to help you compare how different sources describe the events.
