The burglary reportedly occurred at a Cartier store located on the famous seaside Croisette walkway at around 11:00am on Tuesday 5 May – one week before the annual Cannes international film festival.
According to various media sources, a masked thief threatened staff and customers inside the store with a gun while two accomplices with scarves covering their faces stuffed jewellery and watches into bags. The three fled the building to meet a fourth suspect waiting outside in a getaway car, which was later found on fire in another area of the city.
It is believed the thieves dropped some items in their haste to escape, which were recovered by Cartier. However, the overall tally of stolen goods was estimated to be about €17.5 million (AU$24.7 m).
At the time of publication, police were reportedly reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and no arrests had been made.
The prestigious and highly publicised Festival de Cannes has seemingly turned the city into a hotspot for criminal activity. During the festival, jewellers often showcase high-end pieces at industry events or loan them to A-list stars to display on the red carpet.
The same Cartier store was said to have been targeted in 2009. It is also located near the InterContinental Carlton Hotel, which was robbed of about €103 million (AU$145.5 m) in jewellery in July 2013.
Additionally, two other thefts occurred in Cannes earlier that year. A collection of Chopard jewellery was stolen from a hotel room and a diamond necklace went missing from a festival party hosted by jeweller de Grisogono.
The 2015 Cannes film festival will take place from 13 to 24 May.
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