In a bold daylight heist, four thieves invaded the Cognacq-Jay museum in central Paris on Wednesday morning, making off with rare snuffboxes and other invaluable artifacts right before visitors. Armed with axes and baseball bats, they smashed a display case around 10:30 AM at the museum, situated in the lively Marais district, a hotspot for tourists.
This audacious crime occurred while the museum was open to the public. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the thieves donned gloves, hoods, and helmets to hide their identities, quickly grabbing several items before escaping. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident, but the stolen treasures included “five historic snuffboxes” from the current exhibition titled “Luxe de poche” (“Pocket Luxury”).
Stolen Artifacts of Immeasurable Value
The “Luxe de poche” exhibition, featuring rare and valuable pieces from the museum’s collection as well as esteemed institutions like the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, was the scene of this high-profile theft. Among the stolen items were elaborately crafted snuffboxes, celebrated for their historical and cultural importance. While the precise value of the stolen artifacts is still being assessed, their rarity and significance suggest they could be worth millions.
The Crime Unfolds in Full View of Visitors
What distinguishes this heist from others is the sheer boldness with which it was executed. Witnesses reported that the thieves conducted their operation without any effort to hide their actions, making the incident even more shocking. Although the robbery unfolded in front of other visitors, thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, those present were left rattled by the audacity of the thieves and the rapidity of the crime.
Prosecutors have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway regarding the armed robbery, with law enforcement looking into the potential involvement of a criminal gang. The museum has not made any public statements about the incident, but authorities are actively working to locate the culprits, who managed to flee without leaving any clues.
The theft of these invaluable items has sent shockwaves through the art community, prompting museums and collectors to closely monitor the progress of the investigation. As for the stolen artifacts, it remains uncertain whether they will be recovered or if they will appear on the black market in the future.
