Armed robbery at Lalique Museum in Alsace: works worth several million euros stolen
Masked thieves broke into the Lalique Museum in Alsace and stole around twenty works valued at several million euros.
Armed robbery at Lalique Museum in Alsace: works worth several million euros stolen
Less than a year after the burglary at the Louvre in Paris, France has been the scene of a new large-scale theft: the Lalique Museum, which houses the creations of the famous jeweller and glassmaker René Lalique and his family, has been ransacked in just minutes.
According to Index.hu, which cites France Info, masked burglars forced their way into the museum located in Wingen-sur-Moder, in Bas-Rhin, during the night of Saturday to Sunday. The perpetrators disabled the security system before making off with approximately twenty pieces with a total value estimated at several million euros.
The objects were taken "in a very short time", the French public radio station notes. Museum staff discovered the thefts, and the police immediately opened an investigation. Investigators are currently examining surveillance footage to identify those responsible.
The museum, which opened in 2011 approximately sixty kilometres north-west of Strasbourg, holds more than 650 works according to its website, including art nouveau jewellery, art deco glassware and crystal pieces. It will remain closed in the coming days until the authorities can ensure it can reopen safely.
René Lalique, who died in 1945 at the age of 85, began his career as a jeweller. His creations used glass, enamel, horn, ivory and semi-precious stones.
Source: Index