In a shocking turn of events, around 2,000 gold and silver coins worth approximately 90,000 euros were stolen from the Maison des Lumières in Landres, France. This incident occurred just hours after the audacious theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Officials reported that the robbery took place on Sunday night. When the museum reopened on Tuesday, staff discovered a shattered display case, raising immediate alarms. Local authorities stated that the coins appear to have been selected with exceptional expertise.
This heist is part of a disturbing trend of robberies targeting cultural institutions across France. Last month, criminals made off with six gold nuggets valued at around €1.5 million from the Paris Natural History Museum. In another notable incident, porcelain artifacts worth an estimated €6.55 million were taken from the national porcelain museum in Limoges.
Experts in art theft suggest that recent events could spark a wave of copycat crimes. Art detective Arthur Brand emphasized the potential for multiple gangs to orchestrate similar heists concurrently.
The Louvre heist, characterized by its brazen nature, involved a group disguised as workers using power tools to access priceless jewelry, including items previously owned by historical figures like Empress Eugenie.
In light of these events, concerns regarding the security protocols at prominent museums have intensified. The Louvre's director acknowledged the deficiencies in its surveillance systems during a recent address, emphasizing the need for urgent improvements to safeguard against future incidents.
As investigations continue, the impact of these thefts on the cultural heritage of France is being scrutinized, igniting debates on the adequacy of security measures in the nation's museums.
