Audacious diamond heist hits Printemps, Paris
- 11 years ago
Central Paris's famous Printemps department store-- the scene of a multimillion euro diamond heist on Tuesday.
The robbery took place shortly before the close of business at the store's De Beers jewellery boutique.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) POLICE UNION SPOKESMAN LC POIGNANT SAYING:
"Two people entered the Printemps store, walked up to the first floor where the jewellery shop is located and had all the jewels from the stall given to them in a bag, or rather from the shop. They were armed with hand guns but did not use them and then escaped via the employee staircase which comes out the back entrance."
The robbery reportedly happened so fast that shoppers and staff nearby did not even notice it was taking place.
A special exhibition for Queen Elizabeth's 2012 Diamond Jubilee was taking place at the shop as it was robbed, showcasing a spectacular crown adorned with hundreds of diamonds.
The piece was not stolen.
A police investigation is ongoing.
Police say the investigation would establish whether security levels were adequate for this exhibition.
The heist took place just hours after a major diamond robbery in Brussels airport.
The robbery took place shortly before the close of business at the store's De Beers jewellery boutique.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) POLICE UNION SPOKESMAN LC POIGNANT SAYING:
"Two people entered the Printemps store, walked up to the first floor where the jewellery shop is located and had all the jewels from the stall given to them in a bag, or rather from the shop. They were armed with hand guns but did not use them and then escaped via the employee staircase which comes out the back entrance."
The robbery reportedly happened so fast that shoppers and staff nearby did not even notice it was taking place.
A special exhibition for Queen Elizabeth's 2012 Diamond Jubilee was taking place at the shop as it was robbed, showcasing a spectacular crown adorned with hundreds of diamonds.
The piece was not stolen.
A police investigation is ongoing.
Police say the investigation would establish whether security levels were adequate for this exhibition.
The heist took place just hours after a major diamond robbery in Brussels airport.