How a German freight lift became an unexpected social media star in the Louvre heist

"Authorities say the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the Louvre on Sunday morning. They wheeled the freight lift up to the museum, rode the basket up the faade, forced open a window, smashed display cases and grabbed priceless Napoleonic jewels before spiriting away on motorbikes through central Paris. It didn't take long for the Germans to seize on the marketing opportunity. By Monday morning, Böcker's company had come up with a social media post featuring a photo of the freight lift - which is typically used for furniture and construction - and a slogan in German that translates to "when something needs to be done quickly.""

"The post also touts the ability of the "Böcker Agilo" to transport up to 400 kilograms (882 pounds) of "your treasures" at a speed of 42 meters (46 yards) per minute. And it moves "whisper quiet" thanks to its 230 Volt E-Motor, the post says. "We had hoped for a bit of attention and some good humour, but the feedback was overwhelming," Böcker wrote Thursday. "I can understand that not everyone shares this sense of humour, but the vast majority laughed heartily." But the freight lift is not permitted to transport humans, Böcker said. Crown jewels, yes. Thieves, no."

Thieves used a German-made freight lift to reach a Louvre window, smashed display cases and stole Napoleonic jewels in under four minutes before fleeing on motorbikes. Photos of the lift went viral and the manufacturer, Böcker Maschinenwerke, responded with a social media post promoting the lift's speed, 400 kg capacity and "whisper quiet" 230 Volt E-Motor, using a slogan translated as "when something needs to be done quickly." The company said its managing director was initially shocked, later amused, and clarified the lift is not permitted to transport humans.

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