Luxury boutiques in Paris are once again grappling with armed robberies, as the recent incident at the Bulgari jewellery boutique in the prominent Place Vendome demonstrates. The robbery took place in broad daylight and involved several armed individuals who made off with an estimated worth of several million euros in items. The police and prosecutors are currently working together to investigate the case and bring the culprits to justice.
According to a police source, the robbery unfolded when three individuals arrived at the store on two motorbikes in the popular tourist district at around 1:45 pm local time. Two of the robbers were armed with long weapons and reportedly assaulted a security guard. The full extent of the stolen goods and damages are still being assessed.
This is not the first time the Bulgari boutique has fallen prey to such audacious crimes. In a similar armed heist that occurred in September 2021, thieves managed to escape with around 10 million euros’ worth of loot during daylight hours. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about the security measures in place at these high-end establishments.
Videos of the aftermath of the recent robbery have been circulating on social media, depicting two large black motorbikes parked outside the jewellery shop. A man, dressed in black clothing and wearing a helmet, can be seen standing guard with a gun. Subsequently, footage shows three individuals fleeing the scene on two motorbikes.
In response to this latest incident, the Paris prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the armed robbery. Authorities are determined to track down and arrest the culprits in order to ensure justice is served.
It is worth mentioning that following the 2021 heist at the Bulgari store, one of the robbers was injured by a police officer and subsequently apprehended, charged, and imprisoned. In June 2022, two additional suspects, aged 26 and 37 at the time, were also taken into custody, charged, and placed in pre-trial detention.
Bulgari, the renowned Italian jeweller owned by French fashion conglomerate LVMH, is facing not only reputational challenges but also concerns over the safety of luxury establishments situated in the heart of the city. It remains to be seen what new security measures will be implemented in light of this latest incident.
Useful Links:
1. BBC News – Armed robbery at Bulgari boutique in Paris
2. France 24 – Investigation underway into armed robbery at Bulgari boutique in Paris
