Video Shows Louvre Robbery: Thieves in Yellow Vests Smash Display Case and Escape in 7 Minutes

Video footage has surfaced showing the dramatic robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where a group of thieves disguised in yellow vests smashed a display case and fled the scene in just seven minutes. The incident took place on the morning of October 19, 2025, prompting the world-famous museum to close for the entire day “for exceptional reasons.”

The footage, aired by French television channel BMFTV, captures the moment one of the suspects used an angle grinder to break into a display case while visitors were still inside the gallery. Authorities say four individuals took part in the meticulously planned heist, with two dressed as museum staff and two more acting as getaway drivers on scooters.

What the Video Reveals About the Louvre Robbery

The newly released video is the first visual evidence of the daring theft that stunned France and the global art world. In the clip, a man in a yellow vest can be seen calmly approaching a display case and using a power tool to break it open. Visitors appear startled but remain in the hall as the crime unfolds in broad daylight.

According to initial reports cited by Reuters and BMFTV, the robbers operated with precision and speed. Two of them infiltrated the museum dressed as workers, likely to avoid suspicion, while the other two waited outside on scooters. As soon as the artifacts were secured, the thieves fled the scene, disappearing into the streets of Paris before security could respond.

French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery and emphasized the gravity of the incident, calling it a “major attack on cultural heritage.” The stolen items, described by officials as “priceless” and of “genuine historical value,” remain missing. The Louvre, visited by nearly 30,000 people daily, was forced to close as investigators combed the premises for evidence.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez revealed that the entire operation lasted just seven minutes — a detail that underscores the planning and professionalism of the suspects. Authorities believe the robbers had inside knowledge of the museum’s security systems and schedules.

Reactions and Broader Impact on Museum Security

The robbery has reignited concerns about the security of cultural institutions, even at globally renowned sites like the Louvre. Experts say the thieves’ use of disguises and rapid execution point to an organized group with experience in high-value thefts.

“The fact that they could get in, target specific items, and escape in under ten minutes shows this was not a random act,” an art crime specialist told AFP. “This will force museums everywhere to re-examine their protocols.”

The Louvre, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, has faced attempted thefts in the past but few as brazen as this. The theft has triggered an international alert through Interpol, with French police working closely with European agencies to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen treasures.

The public reaction in France has been one of outrage and disbelief. Many visitors were present during the robbery, and their testimonies are expected to play a key role in the ongoing investigation. Cultural leaders have urged swift action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent future incidents of this scale.

Les images du cambriolage du Louvre (document BFMTV) pic.twitter.com/FciPpaXTMA

— BFMTV (@BFMTV) October 19, 2025

The “Video Shows Louvre Robbery” story continues to develop as authorities analyze the footage and hunt for the suspects. With priceless artifacts still missing, the world watches closely to see if this audacious heist will end in capture or remain one of Europe’s most infamous museum crimes.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What does the Louvre robbery video show?

The video shows a man in a yellow vest smashing a display case with an angle grinder while visitors look on. It captures part of the seven-minute heist.

Q2: How many people were involved in the Louvre robbery?

Officials say four people were involved — two disguised as museum staff inside and two waiting outside on scooters for a quick escape.

Q3: When did the Louvre robbery happen?

The robbery took place on the morning of October 19, 2025. The museum was closed all day following the incident.

Q4: Why is the Louvre robbery significant?

The stolen artifacts are described as priceless pieces of cultural heritage, and the speed and planning of the theft have raised global security concerns.

Q5: What are investigators doing now?

French authorities are analyzing the video footage, gathering witness statements, and working with Interpol to locate the suspects and recover the stolen items.