Suspects in Swiss watch museum heist arrested in France

Authorities in France have arrested individuals believed to be responsible for a significant theft at the Musée de l'Horlogerie in Le Locle, Switzerland, a town historically central to the Swiss watchmaking industry. The robbery took place earlier this month, and the suspects were apprehended in Lyon.

Adding to the investigation, the arrested individuals are also suspected of involvement in a parallel heist at the Musée Jacques Chirac in Sarran, central France. This second robbery occurred during the same week as the Swiss museum theft, suggesting a pattern of coordinated criminal activity.

Investigators reportedly found a crucial link between the two crimes: the use of the same getaway vehicle, a Porsche Panamera. This common element is said to have significantly aided the police in tracking down and apprehending the suspects.

The Le Locle museum theft involved four hooded individuals who forced entry and, within approximately five minutes, broke display cases to steal several mantel clocks. The stolen items were valued at a minimum of 80,000 Swiss francs (about 85,000 euros). Le Locle, along with the neighboring city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its unique watchmaking urbanism, dating back to the 18th century.

The police in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel have not yet officially confirmed if the individuals arrested in France are indeed the perpetrators of the Le Locle robbery, stating that investigations are ongoing. The robbery at the Musée Chirac, which houses personal items and gifts belonging to the former French president, has also experienced previous incidents, having been targeted twice in October 2025.