French police continue to investigate a daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, in which nine invaluable artifacts were stolen. The thieves, believed to be an organized group, escaped on motor scooters after using a furniture hoist to access the Apollo Gallery.
The jewels stolen from the Louvre were not insured, as France’s national museums are “self-insured,” meaning the state itself bears the risk of loss or damage. This system avoids high insurance costs but leaves no compensation in case of theft—only damages to the building or display cases can be covered.
Officials said 60 investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and highway cameras. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged serious security flaws, promising better protection at cultural sites. Darmanin told France Inter radio
What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels, giving France a terrible image.
The museum has remained closed for several days, disappointing visitors, with questions mounting about France’s ability to safeguard its most treasured collections.
