A group of thieves stole eight priceless Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre in a swift, seven-minute daylight raid. The theft has ignited a debate over museum security, with officials condemning the serious lapses that damaged the country's image.

Paris

Authorities in France are investigating a jewellery heist at the Louvre, where thieves managed to steal eight priceless Napoleonic items in a raid lasting several minutes. The incident has raised concerns about security at the world-renowned museum, with officials acknowledging a significant lapse that has affected France's image.

Investigators believe the burglary was carried out by an organized crime group, and a large team is working to track down those responsible. Security experts noted that the museum's alarm systems should have detected the break-in, and President Macron has expressed confidence in finding the perpetrators. The Louvre, which recently reduced its security staff, will remain closed as the investigation continues.

Louvre jewellery heist sparks security debate in France

An investigation in full swing in the aftermath of Sunday's heist at Paris' iconic Louvre. The French justice minister says the massive security lapse at the most visited museum in the world has tarnished the image of France. It's clear that we failed since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes, grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image. French officials say a team of 60 investigators are currently working on a theory the burglary was planned and executed by an organized crime group. Authorities adding they've poured in significant resources to track down the perpetrators and President Macron has expressed confidence they will be found. According to security experts, a Louvre would have had systems in place to signal a break-in was underway. In a museum like the Louvre, breaking a window should normally trigger an alarm. That means an alarm would have gone off to a supervisor in the security team and you would know exactly where it was taking place and then you can react. Sunday's seven-minute raid saw thieves dressed as construction workers take off with eight priceless items of Napoleonic jewellery. Back in January, the French president announced a renovation and modernization plan for the Louvre, which seeks to enhance security after 15 percent of its team was scrapped over the past decade. The museum will remain closed on Monday as the investigation in France.

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Breakdown