PARIS (REUTERS) - Armed robbers targeted an Apple Inc store in central Paris on New Year's Eve, taking thousands of dollars worth of goods, a police official said on Tuesday.

The robbery took place at about 9pm (3am Singapore time) on Monday, three hours after closing time at one of Apple's flagship stores behind the Paris Opera which sells products ranging from iPhones and iPads to Mac computers.

The police official declined to comment on reports the thieves walked away with about 1 million euros (S$1.6 million) of loot, saying the company was still evaluating the loss.

Christophe Crepin from the police union UNSA told reporters four masked and armed individuals forced their way into the shop and afterwards escaped in a van.

"They were well prepared. As the majority of police were busy watching the Champs Elysees (for New Year's Eve celebrations), the robbers took advantage of this opportunity,"he said.