Thieves steal $700,000 worth of luxury goods from Paris home of Saudi princess

Thieves have stolen €600,000 ($712,460) worth of luxury goods from the Paris home of a Saudi princess.

The 47-year-old woman, who had not visited the apartment since August, discovered on returning that bags, watches, jewellery and furs were missing, a source close to the case has said.

The princess, whose name has been withheld, has been taken to hospital in shock and has not yet spoken to police.

The thieves appear to have entered the apartment, situated near the prestigious Avenue George V in the heart of the French capital, without using force, the source said.

The bounty included around 30 Hermes bags, each worth between about $12,000 and $26,000, a Cartier watch, jewellery and several furs.

Formal investigation

Prosecutors have opened a formal investigation, which will be handled by the Paris police special anti-gang unit.

Le Parisien newspaper reported that an early suspect was a man who had been staying at the princess's apartment since August.

A spare set of keys to her home had gone missing, the paper said.

Thieves in Paris are known to target affluent areas with luxury shops and accommodation, particularly in the city's chic 8th arrondissement, where the Saudi princess's flat is located.