UPDATE: The audacious daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum has not only left French authorities bewildered but has also led to a strikingly cheeky marketing move from Böcker, the lift manufacturer involved in the heist. On Sunday morning, thieves made off with historic jewels valued at over $100 million after brazenly breaking into the world-famous museum while it was open to visitors.
In a bold social media move, the German company based in Werne posted an Instagram ad featuring the scene of the crime with the caption: “The next time you need things to move quickly. The Böcker Agilo transports your treasures weighing up to 400 kg at 42 meters per minute – whisper-quiet thanks to a 230 V E-motor.” This tongue-in-cheek advertisement aims to capitalize on the unfortunate incident while emphasizing their product’s capabilities.
The unidentified thieves, still at large, executed their plan by using a truck fitted with the very lift that Böcker produces. They accessed the museum through a second-floor balcony in the Apollo Gallery, employing an angle grinder to break in. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, revealed in a recent Senate hearing that the aging camera system failed to monitor the eastern balcony, highlighting the “absolutely obsolete” technical infrastructure at the world’s largest museum.
Initially shocked by the news, Alexander Böcker, the managing director and third-generation owner of the company, expressed his surprise upon realizing their lift was misused. “Once the initial shock had subsided, black humour took over,” he stated. The response to the ad has been overwhelmingly positive, with Böcker noting that most people understood the humor and recognized that his company had no involvement in the robbery.
According to Böcker, the specific Agilo model used in the theft was sold to a customer in the Greater Paris area for rental purposes. However, it was reported stolen during a demonstration for a potential customer. “It appears that the company lettering has been removed and the number plates replaced,” he added.
As investigations continue, authorities are under mounting pressure to enhance security measures at the museum. Culture Minister Rachida Dati received a resignation offer from des Cars following the heist, which was declined, indicating the severity of the security failure.
With the thieves still on the loose, the Louvre’s reputation as a secure repository of priceless art is at risk. The world watches as French authorities scramble to apprehend the culprits and restore confidence in the safety of one of the globe’s most visited attractions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
