Swedish royal jewels stolen in broad-daylight heist; see pics

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Thieves in Sweden walked into a small town's medieval cathedral in broad daylight on Tuesday and made off with priceless crown jewels dating back to the early 1600s before escaping by speedboat.

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The two men vanished after the heist into a vast patchwork of lakes around Strangnas, near Stockholm, around noon on Tuesday. (AP)

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The thieves snatched two gold crowns and an orb made for King Karl IX and Queen Kristina in the daring robbery. (AP)

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The stolen items were on display at an exhibition in the cathedral, and visitors were inside at the time. One of the crowns is encrusted with precious stones. (Reuters)

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The men appeared to have escaped using two black women's bicycles, which they likely stole ahead of the heist, to race to a waiting boat. (AP)

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Police sent out a helicopter and boat to hunt for the thieves but did not find anything. (AP)

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While the items are of great historic and cultural value, police expressed doubt whether the burglary would bring the perpetrators any financial gain. (Reuters)

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Authorities said nobody was hurt in the robbery but did not provide further details. (Reuters)