Authorities in France are searching for two thieves who broke into a museum housing paintings by renowned French impressionist Auguste Renoir. The break-in occurred early on Tuesday, resulting in the theft of ‘four works of art’. However, the thieves dropped one as they fled, according to the local mayor.
Mayor Bryan Masson of Cagnes-sur-Mer, located on the French Riviera, reported that the crime was captured on the town’s video surveillance cameras. ‘The two individuals fled, abandoning one of the stolen paintings as they ran,’ said Masson. The estimated value of the stolen artworks is 9 million euros ($10 million). It is unclear if this estimate includes all initially stolen paintings or just the three taken away.
Masson, in a Facebook statement, mentioned that the museum’s alarm was triggered at 5:48 a.m., with police arriving at the scene within five minutes. ‘Since this morning, both municipal and national police have been deployed to the site,’ he stated. ‘The perpetrators are being actively sought, and the investigation is ongoing.’
Masson described the incident as an attack on the town’s history and heritage, stating, ‘Attacking the Renoir Museum is attacking a part of the history and heritage of Cagnes-sur-Mer.’ He emphasized the seriousness of the events, highlighting the need for a comprehensive plan to secure museums and protect artworks. ‘We will dedicate all necessary resources to better protect this heritage, which belongs to all the residents of Cagnes,’ Masson affirmed.