Burglars grab jewellery in lightning raid on France's Lalique museum

Masked thieves carried out a lightning raid on the Musée Lalique in France's eastern Alsace region, making off with approximately 20 pieces of jewelry valued at several million euros. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, with museum staff reporting that the theft took place in a "very short space of time."

The burglars reportedly smashed through the museum's door to gain entry. Security systems were triggered during the heist. Staff have identified the missing pieces, and police are currently reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation. The museum, located in Wingen-sur-Moder, showcases over 650 works by Rene Lalique, a renowned artist celebrated for his Art Nouveau jewelry and Art Deco glass.

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The jewellery was taken "in a very short space of time."

This brazen theft follows a similar high-profile heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris less than a year ago, which shocked the nation. While several suspects were arrested in connection with the Louvre incident, the stolen exhibits have not been recovered, raising concerns about the security of valuable cultural artifacts in France.

In response to the burglary, the Musée Lalique announced it would close its doors for the coming days. This closure is intended to allow for a thorough review and enhancement of the museum's security measures to prevent future incidents. The museum's collection includes intricate jewelry, glass, and crystal pieces created by Rene Lalique, who began his career as a jeweler and was known for his innovative use of materials like enamel, horn, ivory, and semi-precious stones.

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The museum will be closed for the forthcoming days in order to make sure it can then be re-opened with full security.