Masked thieves stole approximately 20 pieces of jewelry worth an estimated $4.5 million from the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, France, during an early-morning raid on Sunday. The burglars forced open a door around 5:30 AM, smashed six display cases, and fled before authorities arrived. No arrests have been made, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage for leads.
The museum, dedicated to Art Nouveau and Art Deco jeweler René Lalique, houses over 650 works, including rare jewelry and glass pieces. A source close to the investigation noted the stolen items were crystal without precious gems, making them difficult to resell or melt down. The museum remains closed for several days following the incident.
Security failures under scrutiny
An alarm activated during the break-in, but the security company delayed response, allowing a cleaning lady to arrive first and call police. The mayor of Wingen-sur-Moder criticized the security firm, stating they failed to notify authorities promptly. The museum, opened in 2011, is located near Lalique’s factory and attracts visitors with its collection of exceptional historical and contemporary works.
Investigators describe suspects as 'well informed'
Authorities suggest the thieves had prior knowledge of the museum’s layout and security systems. The heist follows a recent high-profile theft at the Louvre, raising concerns about museum security in France. Police have not yet identified suspects or recovered the stolen items.