Burglars steal millions in jewellery from French Lalique museum

Burglars have stolen jewellery worth several million euros in a lightning raid on the Musée Lalique in eastern France, less than a year after a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum.

Masked thieves smashed through the museum's entrance in the Alsace region on Sunday morning and stole around 20 pieces before fleeing within minutes, according to French media and museum officials.

Security systems triggered

The museum said the burglars carried out the theft "in a very short space of time" before escaping, despite triggering the site's security systems.

Staff have identified the missing items, while police are examining CCTV footage and searching for the suspects. The museum has not disclosed exactly which pieces were stolen.

Home to Lalique masterpieces

Located in the town of Wingen-sur-Moder, around 60 kilometres northwest of Strasbourg, the museum houses more than 650 works by renowned French glassmaker and jeweller René Lalique and his family.

Its collection includes Art Nouveau jewellery, Art Deco glassworks and crystal creations. Lalique, who died in 1945, became internationally known for combining materials such as glass, enamel, horn, ivory and semi-precious stones in his jewellery.

Museum temporarily closed

The museum said it would remain closed for several days while security measures are reviewed before reopening to visitors.

The theft comes less than a year after thieves broke into the Louvre in Paris. Although several suspects have since been arrested in that case, the stolen artefacts have not been recovered.

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