Jewelry Store in Nantes Falls Victim to Unusual Burglary
A jewelry store in downtown Nantes encountered a dramatic break-in on Thursday morning. The burglary involved the drilling of a floor, as confirmed by the Nantes public prosecutor's office. The security breach was first detected around 7 a.m. by the monitoring agency responsible for the store. Swift police intervention revealed no individuals on-site but did uncover a fire starting on the second floor of the building.
The valuable loot from this burglary is estimated to be worth several tens of thousands of euros. Firefighters managed to control the flames, which had originated in a business-apartment located on the second floor. This location was primarily used for business purposes and was vacant at the time of the incident. It is believed the criminals drilled a hole in the floor to gain access to the store's premises.
Several display windows inside the store, containing expensive watches and jewelry, were broken during the burglary. An investigation is underway to delve deeper into the burglary and the fire, with the organized and specialized crime division of the DTPN (Territorial Directorate of the National Police) of Nantes at the helm.
Ongoing Investigation in the Opulent Quartier
Many tradespeople and workers found themselves unable to access their offices on Thursday morning due to the incident. The area around rue Crébillon, near Place Royale, was cordoned off as around twenty firefighters were on the scene to douse the flames. The sight of charred windows on the second floor provided stark evidence of the night's events.
By 11 a.m., the judicial police were still present, conducting thorough investigations. Initial checks were being carried out to determine the exact cause of the fire—whether it was intentional or accidental. A resident from an adjacent building was evacuated but did not require hospitalization.
The incident has left the local business community shaken. In a neighborhood known for its tranquility and opulence, such events are a rarity and have caused considerable disruption and concern among local traders and residents.
- The store manager is hopeful about reopening by the weekend, but the exact timeline remains uncertain as investigations continue. The police are looking into all aspects of the crime and its execution to bring the culprits to justice.
- For the residents and employees of nearby offices, this incident has served as a harsh reminder of the increasing sophistication of criminal activities, even in secure and upscale neighborhoods.
