WINGEN-SUR-MODER — Burglars stole approximately twenty crystal jewelry pieces from the Lalique museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, France, on Sunday. The items are valued at several million euros.

A group of masked thieves forced open a door to enter the museum around 5:30 am. After gaining access, the thieves smashed open six display cases located in the jewelry room. An alarm was activated during the burglary. A source close to the investigation stated, "The loss is currently being assessed but could amount to several million euros, likely close to four million (over $4.5 million)."

The stolen jewelry consists of crystal and does not contain precious gems. The items could not be melted down. Authorities are examining CCTV footage of the incident.

Christian Dorschner, the Mayor of Wingen-sur-Moder, said that despite the alarms activating, there was a failure by the security company. "All the alarms went off, just as they should. And then with the security company, apparently, there was a major failure on their part: they didn't intervene right away, they didn't inform the gendarmes," Dorschner said. He also stated, "They were surely well informed to carry out this job in that way; they must be ... specialists."

A cleaning lady arrived at the museum before the security company had completed its checks and subsequently called the police. The Lalique museum has announced on its website that it will remain closed for several days due to the burglary.

The Lalique museum, which opened in 2011 near the company's factory, houses more than 650 works. These works include Art Nouveau jewelry, Art Deco glass, and contemporary crystal. Wingen-sur-Moder, where the museum is located, has a population of 1,500 and is situated about 37 miles northwest of Strasbourg.