Arrests in Harry Winston Heist, Some of the Stolen Items Recovered

French police have made 25 arrests in connection with a December 5, 2008 jewelry heist at the Parisian branch of famed jeweler Harry Winston in which over €85 million ($118 million) in jewelry was stolen.

The spectacular raid lasted only a few minutes, rings, chains and luxury watches were stuffed into bags and two backdoor storage cases were emptied as well.

In a bid to recover the stolen items, insurer Lloyds of London offered a record million dollar reward for information leading to arrests.

During the heist, the thieves dressed in drag, wearing wigs and dresses, catching the store employees by surprise. It was also reported that several of the thieves had accents, leading police to believe that they were a part of the "Pink Panther" gang operating out of the Balkans. However, as most of the people arrested were French nationals, the gang was ruled out.

Several of the arrested, aged from 22 to 67, are reported to be women. Police also found several of the stolen jewels, a cache of weapons and €250,000 ($347,000( in cash.