Victims offer £1.5 million reward for clues to capture thief
Police are on the trail of a burglar who executed a daring heist, stealing over £10 million worth of luxury jewellery from a mansion on one of Britain’s priciest streets.
The burglary occurred on Avenue Road in Primrose Hill, North London—a street where homes average over £15 million. The thief entered through a second-floor window and made off with £10.4 million worth of unique, high-end jewellery, including:
- A Graff 10.73-carat diamond ring
- Two De Beers butterfly diamond rings
- A Hermes 3.03-carat diamond ring, aquamarine ring, and a Niloticus Lumiere necklace
Additionally, items from luxury brands such as Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Katherine Wang were taken, along with £150,000 in Hermes Crocodile Kelly handbags and £15,000 in cash.
Description of the suspect
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between his late 20s and 30s, of medium build. He was reportedly dressed in a dark hoodie, cargo pants, and a grey baseball cap, with his face concealed. The thief carried a weapon during the break-in, which occurred around 5 p.m. on December 7 when the mansion was unoccupied.
Reward offered
The victims are offering a substantial £1.5 million reward for information. This includes £500,000 for details leading to the burglar’s arrest and conviction, as well as 10% of the value of any recovered items.
Police appeal for information
Detective Constable Paulo Roberts of the Central North Basic Command Unit, who is leading the investigation, called the crime a “brazen offence.”
“The suspect entered the property while armed, violating the victims’ sanctuary. The stolen jewellery, valued at £10.4 million, holds significant sentimental value and is highly distinctive in its design, making it easily identifiable,” Roberts said.
He urged anyone in the area who noticed suspicious activity or who has since encountered the stolen jewellery to come forward. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Context of similar incidents
The burglary comes just weeks after another violent crime targeting luxury items. In Chelsea, two robbers were convicted for attacking celebrity antiques dealer Ian Towning during a raid on his store. James Dixon, 42, and Thomas Loring, 41, used hammers in the brutal attack, leaving Mr. Towning bloodied and terrified before escaping with £200,000 worth of jewellery. Photo by קוליברי טבעות אירוסין, Wikimedia commons.