In a dramatic turn of events, France’s crown jewels were swiftly moved to the Bank of France’s secure vault following a brazen heist at the Louvre Museum. The jewels, which include invaluable pieces such as Empress Marie-Louise’s necklace and Empress Eugenie’s diadem, are now being safeguarded in a facility known as the “Souterraine.” This vault is designed with top-notch security features to protect against any form of assault.
Louvre Heist Details
On a recent Sunday, a group of masked thieves executed a meticulously planned operation. They entered the Louvre’s Gallery of Apollo, where the crown jewels are displayed, by using an angle grinder to cut through a reinforced window.
Execution of the Heist
- The gang utilized a mechanical ladder mounted on the back of a lorry.
- In a mere eight minutes, they stole treasures worth approximately €88 million (£77 million).
Among the stolen items were a prestigious necklace belonging to Empress Marie-Louise and a diadem once owned by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III.
Security Measures at the Bank of France
The “Souterraine” vault at the Bank of France offers unparalleled protection. Its main entrance features a 50cm-thick door weighing seven tonnes, constructed from flame-resistant concrete and bolstered with steel reinforcements. Behind this formidable barrier lies a 35-tonne rotating concrete turret, designed to eliminate any possibility of forced entry.
This state-of-the-art vault represents the Bank of France’s commitment to ensuring the safety of France’s national treasures. With the jewels now securely stored, efforts are underway to enhance security measures at the Louvre to prevent future incidents.
