PARIS – The Chanel boutique on Avenue Montaigne in Paris was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery in the early hours of Monday morning.
Four suspects rammed the boutique with a vehicle at around 5:15 a.m., breaking the windows in order to access goods. They set fire to the first vehicle, before fleeing the scene in a second vehicle, according to an AFP report. Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the flames.
“The individuals used a first vehicle to enter the establishment by breaking the window before fleeing in a second vehicle, taking goods from the store,” a police source told AFP.
Chanel confirmed the incident to WWD.
“We confirm that a ram-raid occurred in the Chanel boutique, located at 42 avenue Montaigne in Paris, during the night of June 9 to 10, 2024. Fortunately, no employees were injured,” a company spokesperson said. “A police investigation has been opened and we are working closely with the police to assist them in their inquiries.”
The store will be closed until the company has assessed the damage.
“The amount of the loss is unknown at this stage. The shop will remain closed for a few days while the damage is repaired,” the spokesperson added.
The 6,500-square-foot store covers two floors and is designed to accommodate VIP clients with private salons located on the first floor.
It’s the second smash-and-grab luxury retail theft on Avenue Montaigne in recent weeks. On May 19, thieves rammed the Harry Winston store located at number 29 and escaped on motorbike with several million euros worth of jewelry.
That incident is still under investigation, with the loss of goods estimated between 6 million and 10 million euros.
