Police: $53 million in jewels stolen in Cannes
PARIS (AP) — A staggering 40 million euro ($53 million) worth of diamonds and other jewels was stolen Sunday from the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, in one of Europe's biggest jewelry heists in recent years, police said. One expert noted the crime follows recent jail escapes by members of the notorious "Pink Panther" jewel thief gang.Holy smokes. I really thought that sort of thing only happened in Hollywood. Millions of dollars in diamonds, stolen from a temporary exhibit? Sounds like the latest "Oceans [Random Number]" movie, doesn't it? Especially with members of a notorious jewel thief gang breaking out of prison? This has "blockbuster" written all over it!
The hotel in the sweltering French Riviera was hosting a temporary jewelry exhibit over the summer from the prestigious Leviev diamond house, which is owned by Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev.
One comment, though. Do you think, maybe, whoever was responsible for security for that facility was in on the take? If not, they're about the most incompetent security force imaginable - knowing that jewel thieves were on the loose, and security was inadequate? That's either collusion or gross incompetence, in my book. I suppose arrogance might factor in, as well.
In any case, I'm just glad I'm not the guy that had $53 million worth of diamonds stolen on my watch!
That is all.
10 comments:
It's Cannes. That practically is the movies.
They say never attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity. But dang, 40 million Euros is a LOT of stupid.
Makes me wonder if Leviev might have been looking for a shot of insurance money, or at least a tax writeoff. It'd stink to be the (innocent) guy in charge of security if that was the case - your career would be toast.
The latest estimate stands at $136 million.
A single thief sneaked in through a window armed with a handgun. He threatened three security guards, two employees and a manager.
I like how the local prosecutor claims "everything happened quickly and without violence". Nice to know pointing a gun at people is not "violence" unless of course you're a law abiding citizen protecting yourself or your family.
No info whether those guards were armed. I would bet they were not as getting a carry permit is very difficult in France. You virtually have to be an ex-cop, preferably from a SWAT-type unit if you hope to get a carry permit as a private contractor. Having the right connections also helps if you don't have a LEO background ...
Calimero (France)
Grace Kelly and Cary Grant look down and smile.
So is Inspector Clouseau on the case?
Since a known gang of jewel thieves has been broken out of jail in the last few months, I'd be betting on them doing it (they are called the Pink Panthers, yes after the movie)!
Damn, libertyman, ya beat me!
You're supposed to cue the Mission: Impossible theme when reading that article...
Dann in Ohio
Since this is the third big jewelry theft in Cannes in as many months, I'm starting to think there is some inside information being passed around.
LittleRed1
Police are questioning a mime but he's not talking.
Gerry
It's the French.
'Nuff said.
Post a Comment