New surveillance video shows Louvre jewel heist in action

Yahoo • January 19, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Surveillance footage of the October robbery at the Louvre Museum was broadcast for the first time on French TV, showing two thieves breaking into the Apollo Gallery and stealing nine pieces of jewelry.
The robbers entered through a reinforced window using high-powered disk cutters and a basket lift, with staff present but instructed not to intervene for safety reasons.
Security audits revealed significant vulnerabilities, including 35% of rooms in the Denon Wing lacking camera coverage and the stolen jewels not being privately insured, prompting criticism of museum management.
Four suspects are in police custody, but the eight stolen French crown jewels, valued at approximately $102 million, remain missing despite DNA evidence and footage aiding the investigation.
Ongoing staff strikes over security and maintenance