Robbers Of Louvre Heist Escaped With 30 Seconds To Spare, Probe Reveals

Last Updated:December 10, 2025, 18:14 IST

The investigation report pointed out that the balcony used by the thieves was a weak point in security and could be reached by using an extendable ladder.

The daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, sent shockwaves through the art world. (Image: File Pic)

The thieves who stole crown jewels from France’s Louvre in October fled with just 30 seconds to spare due to avoidable security failures at the museum, an investigation revealed on Wednesday.

The heist, which took place on October 19, saw thieves make off with eight precious pieces worth an estimated $102 million. The robbers reportedly used a crane to smash an upstairs window during opening hours before escaping on motorbikes.

The incident sent shockwaves through France, with many describing it as a national embarrassment.

Following the incident, the culture ministry had ordered a probe.

AFP quoted the investigation stating that only one of two security cameras was working near the site where the thieves broke in on the morning of October 19.

The agents at the security headquarters also did not have enough screens to follow the visuals and a lack of coordination led to the police being sent to the wrong place once the alarm was raised, the report unveiled at the French Senate’s Culture Commission stated.

“It highlights an overall failure of the museum, as well as its supervisory authority, to address security issues," the head of the commission, Laurent Lafon, said at the start of a hearing.

The probe also revealed that the thieves had only 30 seconds left before the police and private security guards arrived on the scene.

“Give or take 30 seconds, the Securitas (private security) guards or the police officers in a car could have prevented the thieves from escaping," the head of the investigation, Noel Corbin, told senators.

AFP quoted Corbin saying that measures such as a modern security camera system, more resistant glass in the door cut open with angle grinders, or better internal coordination could have prevented the loss of the crown jewels – worth an estimated $102 million – which have still not been found.

The investigation report pointed out that the balcony used by the thieves was a weak point in security and could be reached by using an extendable ladder (this was used by the robbers to carry out the heist).

According to the police, all four robbers have been arrested.

News world Robbers Of Louvre Heist Escaped With 30 Seconds To Spare, Probe Reveals

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