The Chanel boutique on Avenue Montaigne remains closed after a botched weekend robbery in Paris

The Chanel boutique on the Avenue Montaigne luxury shopping street in Paris was still closed on Monday, following a foiled robbery attempt over the weekend.

The luxury robbery was prevented thanks to the intervention of a brave security guard, forcing the four thieves to flee. A security guard was injured in the failed attempt.

The criminals struck around lunchtime on Saturday, normally a busy shopping day on Avenue Montaigne, a prestigious shopping street that runs from the Champs-Elysees to the Seine.

According to media reports, the four robbers arrived on Yamaha TMA scooters with guns and axes and tried to enter the store. However, the guard managed to lower the store's metal security door in time, preventing the gang from entering.

“We confirm that on Saturday, November 15, a vehicle attack occurred at the Chanel watch and jewelry boutique located at 42 Avenue Montaigne,” Chanel said in a statement made available to FashionNetwork.com.

“A security guard was injured and is currently being treated by emergency services. We immediately created a support unit for the employees who were present. A police investigation has been launched and we are cooperating fully with the authorities to assist them in their investigations. We would like to commend the quick response of the security teams and law enforcement officers, who managed to drive away the attackers without any material damage. The boutique will remain closed until further notice,” Chanel added.

Given the exclusivity of the brand's products and the high price of Chanel products, the house's stores, events and shows are known for having especially high levels of security.

The action of the rogues marked the last robbery in Paris, which is still recovering from the spectacular robbery that occurred at the Louvre on October 19. Thieves disguised as construction workers stole eight pieces of the French crown jewels worth €88 million from the famous museum's Galerie d'Apollon, in an eight-minute robbery while the Louvre was open that morning.

The same Chanel boutique on Avenue Montaigne was also robbed in June 2024, when a gang rammed a car into the store and managed to flee with the stolen goods.

Across town, on rue Royale, another thug robbed the Chanel store there last October and made off with more than €500,000 worth of luxury goods. Although two suspects were later arrested and are currently in prison.