Major robbery at million-dollar Paris hotel

Paris, France - September 26, 2016: Famous Hotel Ritz on Place Vendome, Paris. Man walking to the hotel. Concierges at the entrance.
By Daisy Doctor


A terrifying scene has unfolded in Paris overnight, as axe-wielding robbers stole millions of dollars in jewellery at a major hotel.

During late afternoon local time, robbers barged into the jewellery store at the Ritz Paris Hotel, leaving with stolen goods amassing to around $6 million.

Of the five thieves, three have been taken in by authorities and two are still at large.

The final amount is still being investigated, though some are estimating the heist could be worth almost $7 million.

Speaking to the press, local police said, “The loss is very high and remains to be assessed”.

According to the Mirror UK, one guest said she was having a drink at the hotel’s famous Hemingway bar when bartenders began telling punters to “get down” onto the floor.

She said, “My parents and I were sitting at the Hemingway bar at the Ritz for a drink and we were about to leave when we heard shouting from the bartenders to get down.

“One man wearing a ski mask ran from the bar door to the front of the bar right past my father. He had an axe in his hand.

“Immediately the bartender closed and locked the door and corralled everyone to the back kitchen area of the bar.”

“We heard at least 10 rounds of gunfire so everyone dove behind the bar where we stayed there for about six minutes.

“We heard shouting and screaming from right outside the door. We were told there were robbers with guns and axes.

“They were after the jewellery on display at the hotel. I know the bar across from ours was shot through because I saw the door window and it was shattered.”

“I also saw one of the workers at the hotel had gotten shot in the leg,” she told the Mirror.

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