Here’s how thieves made off with billions in European jewels

Because we all know in Europe security guards are trained to call the police rather than to respond to situations themselves. But this week’s brazen vault heist was no different and actually in standard European fashion, so much so, that a mad dash to retrieve the jewels before they’re sold is on. Authorities are freaking out over the idea that the jewels could be “melted down” and or altered in an attempt to actually sell them because they’re “already do distinct and recognizable.”

The BBC guestimates that the sheer number of jewels stolen is worth upwards of $1.1B. It is widely believed that diamond necklaces; priceless artefacts, gems, and more were all stolen in the heist. Ironically, guards watched it all happen on video but European policy in most countries states that they cannot act and must instead call the police.