Incredible burglary in London! €12M worth of jewelry and Hermès bags stolen in 20 minutes from a collector. The police are on edge and promise a generous reward for any information leading to the criminals. The details of this classic heist that shakes up the capital…
It was a burglary worthy of the greatest Hollywood films that shook the very chic London district of Primrose Hill. In the space of just 20 minutes, criminals stole nearly 12 million euros worth of jewelry and luxury bags from the mansion of a wealthy art collector. A spectacular heist which leaves the police perplexed and which raises many questions.
Priceless loot
Among the stolen pieces are exceptional jewelry signed by the biggest houses, such as Van Cleef & Arpels et Boucheron. Bracelets, necklaces and rings adorned with priceless precious stones, carefully selected by their passionate owner. But the highlight of the show undoubtedly remains the bag Kelly of Hermes in crocodile, an extremely rare piece estimated alone at 150,000 pounds, or more than 180,000 euros!
A large part of the stolen jewelry is unique, and therefore easily identifiable.
London Metropolitan Police
A careful operating procedure
The burglary took place in the absence of the owners, who were traveling. According to the first elements of the investigation, the criminal(s) entered through a window on the 2nd floor, defeating the security system of the luxurious residence. They then allegedly headed directly to the hidden safe, a sign that they had precise information on the location and position of the valuable goods.
Police on the lookout, victim promises reward
Since the burglary, which occurred on December 7, the police have stepped up investigations to try to find the trace of the daring thieves. The victim, identified by the media as Shaffira Huanga wealthy art collector, promised a generous reward to anyone who would allow the arrest of the culprits and the restitution of her precious possessions:
- 500,000 pounds (around €604,000) for information leading to the arrest of the criminals
- A sum equivalent to 10% of the value of the jewelry and the bag found
A call for witnesses was launched, with the release of the description of the main suspect: a white man in his twenties or thirties, of average build. Investigators are also examining video surveillance images from the surrounding area, hoping to identify accomplices or the vehicle used to transport such loot.
Spotlight on an ultra-secure neighborhood
This extraordinary burglary calls into question the security of the Primrose Hill district, known for housing many celebrities and wealthy people behind high walls and high-tech surveillance systems. Residents are worried and are calling for increased police patrols.
Authorities fear the stolen coins could quickly be resold on the black market or melted down for their precious stones. A disaster scenario for the owner but also for the police, who would see valuable evidence stolen.
A source close to the investigation confided that all avenues were considered, from the experienced burglar to the frame-up involving possible accomplices within the victim’s entourage. The investigations promise to be long and complex in trying to find these exceptional jewels and bags.
This event is a sad reminder thatno place is completely safe despite the most elaborate security measures. A feeling of insecurity that the very select community of Primrose Hill today finds difficult to mask, which thought it was evolving in an inviolable setting.
The months to come will tell whether the burglars’ trail will be found or whether this fabulous treasure will remain buried forever, somewhere between the black market and the coffers of fences. One thing is certain, in the upscale streets of the capital, tongues are wagging and speculation is rife. Everyone has their own hypothesis on this smoking gun which, if it commands respect through its audacity, nonetheless remains a major offense which cannot go unpunished.
The police ensure that they are doing all they can to elucidate this theft, which is as spectacular as it is mysterious. Case to be continued, therefore, hoping for a quick and happy outcome for the victim of this extraordinary misdeed.
