In what’s been dubbed our very own “version of the Louvre heist”, a group of French men have been accused of robbing an affluent suburb in Canberra and making off with millions worth in luxury items.
The case is centred on O’Malley, which is located in south Canberra and was allegedly targeted by four French men back in October, according to 9News.
The group, who allegedly arrived in Australia in early October, is accused of stealing upwards of 70 items — including handbags, watches and jewellery — from homes throughout the suburb.
All up, the alleged thieves made off with an estimated $10 million worth in items, including a rare Richard Mille RM 88 Smiley watch — which is one of only 50 in the world and has been sported by Pharrell.
If all that sounds a little similar to another flashy, French-based robbery that also happened in October, well, Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye agrees.
“This is our version of the Louvre heist,” Battye said at a press conference on Thursday.
“The manner in which it occurred, with people flying in from the other side of the world to do this targeted burglary, is something like a movie. It’s something we don’t see too often,” Battye added, per 9News.
Even though they’d just bagged millions, the men were arrested in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west at a… KFC restaurant. Would you like a side of luxury bags with that?
The October 19 arrest came as the ACT Police worked with NSW Police while investigating a separate heist in Vaucluse in Sydney, with authorities believing the two robberies are connected.
Hermes rings and Tiffany watches were allegedly stolen in the Vaucluse robbery. ACT Police said both “incidents are believed to have been a targeted operation by the alleged offenders, who travelled to Australia specifically to commit these offences”.
The group was extradited to the ACT after their arrest and charged with aggravated burglary with the intent to commit theft and joint commission theft.
Anyone with information — including any lucky KFC diners who found a watch in their Zinger — is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Lead images: Getty Images
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