A major burglary was reported Tuesday evening in Villefranche-sur-Mer, in the Alpes-Maritimes region. An American jewelry designer staying in an apartment rented online reported the theft of jewelry pieces, with losses estimated at over one million euros, as well as the disappearance of several thousand euros in cash. A preliminary investigation has been opened and entrusted to the Nice judicial police. The incident occurred in an apartment located on Boulevard Lazare-Settimelli. Around 20:30 p.m., law enforcement was called after the occupant discovered the theft. According to initial findings, no signs of forced entry were found inside the apartment, a detail that suggests a discreet and targeted method was employed. The Nice public prosecutor's office confirmed the opening of proceedings for aggravated theft, specifying that the alleged losses exceed one million euros and that no violence was observed during the incident. Investigators are now focused on precisely reconstructing the sequence of events of the burglary and determining the conditions of access to the residence.
A theft without forced entry, images to be exploited
According to initial findings by police, the building where the apartment is located is equipped with a video surveillance system. The recorded footage will be analyzed to identify any suspicious activity and to trace movements around the apartment at the time of the incident. This analysis could help determine whether the perpetrators acted alone or with accomplices. The disappearance of very valuable jewelry, as well as approximately €6,000 in cash, suggests a burglary carried out with some knowledge of the premises and its contents. Investigators are trying to establish whether the perpetrators took advantage of an opportunity or if they had specific information about the presence of luxury items in the apartment. The designer involved, Chris AireHe is an American jeweler of Nigerian origin, internationally renowned for his high-end creations. Based in the United States for many years, he has become known for a style blending fine jewelry with urban influences, with pieces worn by numerous personalities in the arts and sports worlds. This renown fuels the hypothesis of a targeted robbery, although no leads are being ruled out at this stage. The investigation is continuing under the authority of the Nice judicial police. Investigators will notably have to determine how the perpetrators entered the apartment without leaving any apparent traces, identify potential resale channels for the jewelry, and verify whether other similar crimes have been committed recently in the area.
