Kim Kardashian Paris thieves were caught on shop’s CCTV in a mirror before creeping past sleeping guard and escaping on push bikes
SNAPS of gang caught in 'million-to-one' scenario on a CCTV camera facing a mirror, which reflected the gang's getaway
PARIS cops have seized CCTV showing the faces of the armed gang that robbed Kim Kardashian, it can be revealed.
Images of the gang, who made off with $10million-worth of the star’s jewellery, were caught in a “million-to-one” scenario on a single CCTV camera facing a mirror which reflected their getaway, The Sun can reveal.
Detectives seized the dramatic footage on Tuesday morning from two cameras at the Bel Ange (“Beautiful Angel”) nail salon just a stone’s throw from Kim’s luxury apartment.
By chance, a mezzanine-level camera inside the store was facing a large mirror outside which perfectly reflected the gang as they walked into the small retail and restaurant area to make their getaway.
A second, ground-level camera then caught the armed attackers fleeing via an unlocked back door into an office and retail block called the Marche De La Madeleine which is just behind the upmarket Hotel de Pourtales where Kim was staying.
The gang made their way along the corridor to a car park where they made their getaway on pushbikes.
But it can also be revealed that the security guard in the car park was asleep and has told detectives he saw and heard nothing, while CCTV cameras there were facing inside the car park and not onto the street - meaning there is no footage of them fleeing on their bikes into Paris.
However, cops are said to have seized cigarette butts from outside the car park to check for DNA, in case they had an accomplice waiting there and keeping lookout for them.
Detectives also spent the morning gathering all the CCTV from stores inside the Marche De La Madeleine in case they too, caught images of the gang.
Police have not released any of the images to the media.
American Nina Richter, based in New York City but a regular visitor to Paris and the Bel Ange nail store where her friend is the owner and manageress, said: “Police seized the footage on Tuesday morning, they told the owner not to speak to the media about it.
“The upstairs camera caught the gang in a mirror which looks out onto the street.
“It shot them perfectly as they made their way inside this shopping area and then a second camera got them as they made their way through an unlocked corridor to the car park.
“Police told the owner it has given them the best lead yet.
“It’s the clearest possible footage of them and shows just exactly how they made their escape.
“It’s just happened to be facing the mirror so it just happened to be perfectly placed.
“It’s a million-to-one chance.”
Nina, who stays in the area and was in the salon having her nails done ahead of a fashion week party, added: “Obviously the gang knew where they were going, too. They weren’t just fleeing randomly into the night.
“It’s a surprise that the corridor they used to get away was unlocked but that’s just how it is especially considering the wealthy people who stay at that hotel so close by.
“The robbers could actually have taken a short route on the street to get to the car park if they went by the street. But it seems they went via the corridor to try to evade being seen.
“Despite them having planned this like clockwork they would never have known that they would have been caught on CCTV like they have.”
“It may be that the gang saw that and decided to pounce. It may not have been planned months in advance, just days.
“A Saudi Prince also stays at the hotel regularly and he has an army of security with him at all times. Kim really should have had more people guarding her.
“People here are worried about this robbery. Paris is amazing but it has had a terrible year as we know with the terrorist attacks.
“Visitors to the city are down, especially the high-end visitors, and this could further scare them away. It’s a worry.”
Burly security guards stood guard at the red door to the exclusive apartment block all day Tuesday.
When asked if they could comment on the investigation, one replied: “There is nothing we can say.”
Other security guards were sitting in blacked-out Mercedes vans parked just outside the building.
Guests arriving and leaving the ultra-exclusive hotel and restaurant in the heart of Paris where also keeping tight lipped.
Inside the restaurant which adjoins the apartment block where Kim was robbed, well-heeled guests could be seen enjoying afternoon coffees.
From a nearby rooftop it is possible to the see the view of the world famous Eiffel Tower which Kim would also have been able to see from her apartment.
The gang turned left out of the red door at 7 Rue Tronchet which leads onto the street from Kim’s apartment, then turned left into the Palacio de La Madeline at number 11 Rue Tronchet.
They would have then entered a set of double doors, exiting 200 yards later at the Palacio Garages de Paris parking lot where there is a large smoking area.
Cops are also said to have identified at least one of the men seen following Kim around Paris during fashion week.
The duo were identified as outsiders by numerous paparazzi following Kim around the city when she was in town.
One of the photographers said: “They looked out of place. Everyone knows everyone in this business but no-one knew them.
“One of them was driving a Fiat 500 car. He was driving like a maniac. His number plate was taken down and handed to police.
“I have heard he is now being questioned.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.