On October 19, 2025, a gang of thieves performed what is currently the most talked-about heist of the year.

In Paris, France, men dressed as construction workers successfully broke into the world-renowned Louvre Museum at 9:30 a.m. They got away with eight precious French jewels, which included tiaras, necklaces, and brooches worn by 19th-century royalty and the wives of French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte.

The group broke into the building using a ladder that got them up to the second floor of the Apollo Gallery. Using a disk cutter, they were able to enter the room and carefully steal the jewels in under four minutes. While escaping on scooters, one of the men dropped Empress Eugénie’s crown (made of gold, diamonds, and emeralds). The crown was broken but was later recovered by the police. In total, the jewels stolen amounted to approximately $102 million (in U.S. dollars).

And with a significant heist like this, the media frenzy was substantial. Along with the breaking news headline, many are taking an interest in the robbery. Senior Zea Grabel is among the many who have binged videos about the event. She says, “I think it’s really interesting and it’s funny that it’s happening now. It’s iconic in a way and almost satirical.” She mentions that a heist this big makes her think of headlines in old newspapers, and to see it happening now is somewhat random. When asked what she thinks about the media’s obsession, she says, “I find it interesting that our generation seems to have a fascination with criminals these days. Everyone thinks that it’s cool to rebel and go against the man.”

Grabel wishes the French authorities the best in their search for the thieves and the stolen jewels. And hopes that they are one day returned.