Masked burglars turned off security systems and stole jewellery from France's Louvre museum in Paris, prompting the museum to close for several days to restore full security, authorities said.
Details of the heist
The burglary occurred during the night, when the museum was closed to visitors. The thieves managed to disable the security systems before breaking into a display case and making off with several pieces of jewellery. The exact value of the stolen items has not been disclosed, but they are believed to be of significant worth.
According to a spokesperson for the Louvre, the burglars were masked and appeared to have detailed knowledge of the museum's security layout. They entered through a window and used tools to bypass alarms and locks.
Museum closure and investigation
The Louvre will remain closed for the forthcoming days to ensure it can be reopened with full security. An investigation has been launched by French police, who are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering forensic evidence.
“We are working closely with law enforcement to understand how this happened and to prevent any future incidents,” the spokesperson said.
Impact on the museum
The theft is a major blow to the Louvre, one of the world's most visited museums, known for housing priceless artworks including the Mona Lisa. The museum had recently upgraded its security systems, but the burglars still managed to circumvent them.
Visitors with tickets for the coming days are being contacted and offered refunds or exchanges. The museum hopes to reopen by early next week.
