German Freight Lift Goes Viral After Louvre Heist, Sparks Humor

URGENT UPDATE: A German freight lift has become an unexpected social media sensation following its role in a daring daylight heist at the Louvre Museum. Just hours after the theft on Sunday morning, images of the lift used by the thieves went viral, capturing both shock and humor from the public.

In an astonishingly quick operation, authorities confirm the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the Louvre. They expertly maneuvered the freight lift to the museum, ascended the facade, forced open a window, and smashed display cases to seize priceless Napoleonic jewels. The thieves then made their escape on motorbikes through central Paris.

Alexander Böcker, managing director and third-generation owner of Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, expressed his disbelief in a statement to the Associated Press. “We were shocked that our lift had been misused for this robbery,” he said. After the initial shock wore off, he noted, “black humor took over” among the company staff.

Seizing the moment, Böcker’s company quickly launched a social media campaign featuring the freight lift, which is primarily used for furniture and construction transport. The post humorously advertised the lift’s capabilities, stating it can carry up to 400 kilograms (882 pounds) of “your treasures” at an impressive speed of 42 meters (46 yards) per minute. “When something needs to be done quickly,” the slogan reads, underscoring the lift’s unexpected notoriety.

Böcker reported overwhelming feedback from the public, with many finding humor in the situation. “We had hoped for a bit of attention and some good humor, but the feedback was overwhelming,” he noted. However, he clarified that the freight lift is not approved for transporting humans, stating, “Crown jewels, yes. Thieves, no.”

As the story continues to develop, the incident has sparked discussions about security at major cultural institutions like the Louvre. Authorities are ramping up investigations to catch the culprits, raising the stakes on this high-profile case. The unexpected marketing boost for Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH adds a curious twist to an already captivating narrative.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story unfolds, and see how this blend of crime and commerce continues to capture the public’s attention.