Newly released surveillance footage has unveiled the audacious jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, capturing the moment the thieves broke into display cases. This footage, aired for the first time on French television, reveals the brazen actions of the burglars during the October robbery.
The video, shared by TF1 and France Télévisions, depicts two individuals—one clad in a black balaclava and a yellow high-visibility jacket, while the other wore all black and a motorcycle helmet—forcing their way into the Apollo Gallery. The incident, which unfolded three months ago, showcased the duo using high-powered disk cutters to breach a reinforced window, all while museum staff looked on without intervening.
Louvre management has emphasized that employees are not trained to confront criminals and their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of visitors. On October 19, the thieves utilized a basket lift to gain access through the window, proceeding to shatter display cases and abscond with nine pieces of jewelry. To date, only one stolen crown has been recovered, as it was inadvertently dropped during their escape.
The daylight break-in has raised significant concerns regarding security at the Louvre, particularly under the stewardship of director Laurence des Cars. A recent security audit revealed that approximately 35% of the rooms in the Denon Wing, where the jewels were housed, lack surveillance cameras. Additionally, French law stipulates that the gems were not privately insured.
In response to the security failures, trade unions have called for increased staffing and improved maintenance of the historic site, leading to several days of strikes. A recent strike resulted in the museum’s third complete closure since December, leaving numerous tourists disappointed.
Currently, four suspects are in police custody in connection with the heist, including the two individuals believed to have carried out the theft. However, the eight missing pieces of French crown jewels, valued at approximately $102 million, remain unaccounted for. During the heist, footage shows a museum staff member holding a bollard intended for visitor guidance, and DNA samples collected from the scene are pivotal to the ongoing investigation.
Since the incident, metal bars have been installed over the windows of the Apollo Gallery to enhance security measures.
