Around 20 pieces of jewelry worth nearly €4 million were stolen from the Lalique Museum in eastern France during an early-morning burglary on Sunday, prompting a major police investigation and renewing concerns over the security of the country’s museums.
According to French media reports, the thieves first attempted to enter through the museum’s main entrance at around 5:30 a.m., but were forced to abandon that effort after triggering the alarm system. They then gained access through an emergency exit, smashed six display cases containing jewelry and escaped before security personnel arrived.
The theft was discovered by a museum maintenance employee, who immediately alerted police. French prosecutors have opened an investigation, while officers are examining surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence from the scene. No suspects have been identified or arrested.
Located in Wingen-sur-Moder near the German border, the Lalique Museum houses one of France’s most important collections of glass art, crystal works and jewelry created by renowned French designer René Lalique.
The burglary follows a series of high-profile thefts targeting French museums over the past year, including the reported theft of royal jewelry from the Louvre Museum and gold bars from the Paris Museum of Natural History. Those incidents have intensified debate over the protection of France’s cultural heritage.
The latest heist is expected to renew scrutiny of security measures at museums across France. Investigators hope not only to identify those responsible but also to determine whether additional safeguards are needed to better protect some of the country’s most valuable cultural treasures.
