Louvre Heist: DNA Evidence Found After Multi-Million Euro Jewel Theft

French authorities are investigating a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where thieves escaped with eight pieces of historic jewelry valued at an estimated EUR88 million. The break-in, which targeted the Apollo Gallery--home to France's remaining crown jewels--has raised concerns about the museum's security protocols.

According to the Paris prosecutor, forensic teams have collected over 150 DNA samples, fingerprints, and other physical traces at the crime scene. Evidence was retrieved from items left behind by the suspects, including a helmet, gloves, angle grinders, a vest, and additional tools used during the heist. The analysis of this material is underway, with results expected to provide leads, particularly if the suspects are already listed in law enforcement databases.

The incident began when four masked individuals scaled the outer walls of the Louvre using an extendable ladder, exploiting a gap in the museum's security coverage. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the group attempting to breach display cases with angle grinders. Despite initial difficulties opening the security glass, the perpetrators eventually managed to create small openings and extracted the valuable artifacts by hand. The museum's alarm systems functioned as designed, sounding as soon as the thieves broke through a balcony window.

During the robbery, two museum employees attempted to intervene but ultimately retreated, likely due to concerns for their safety. The entire sequence was captured on the Louvre's internal security cameras, while external surveillance footage from both public and private sources has been instrumental in tracking the suspects' movements within Paris and surrounding regions.

In response to the breach, the Louvre's management has acknowledged vulnerabilities in its perimeter surveillance. The museum's director has advocated for the establishment of a dedicated police presence within the museum building and proposed restricting vehicle access around the site to prevent similar incidents. Plans are also underway to enhance the existing CCTV infrastructure to eliminate blind spots and strengthen monitoring of the museum's outer walls.

Law enforcement officials remain optimistic that the media attention surrounding the theft will deter the perpetrators from attempting to sell or transport the stolen jewels. The ongoing forensic examination of the collected evidence is prioritized to expedite the identification and apprehension of those responsible for one of the most significant art heists in recent French history.