UROPEAN authorities investigating a recent 80 million jewel heist in Paris are convinced it was carried out by a mysterious band of jewel thieves known as the "Pink Panthers". Authorities named the 200-strong gang after the clever robber in the classic 1963 film The Pink Panther. Investigators are amazed by the creative ways these thieves pull off their heists. In Paris on December 9, four male thieves showed up at the Harry Winston jewelry store on Avenue Montaigne. Three were dressed as women and wore blonde wigs, scarves and sunglasses. After threatening employees and customers with grenades and guns, they smashed display cases and grabbed jewelry. In less than 15 minutes, they had carried out bags full of emeralds, rubies, and diamonds and jumped into a waiting car.