Young children threatened in Westminster burglary as £800k of jewellery is stolen

BY YANN TEAR
yann@londonweeklynews.online

Police are appealing for information following an aggravated burglary in which jewellery valued at £800,000 was stolen from a house in Westminster. Police were called to the home in St John’s Wood just after 5pm on Friday, January 18, following reports of a burglary.

It was reported that the victim – a woman in her 40s – had answered a knock at the door, believing it to be a delivery driver. Three men then barged their way into the property and threatened both the victim and two young children with large knives.

They then demanded to be taken to the safe which they emptied of jewellery. Handbags, high value watches and mobile phones were also stolen from the address.

No injuries were reported and the car was later recovered nearby. Officers are now releasing images of some of the jewellery stolen in the burglary and are appealing for anyone with information on the items to get in touch.

Detective Constable Piers Gilbert, of the Met’s Central West Area Command Unit, said: “This was a terrifying incident which has had a profound effect on the victim’s life.

“We are now appealing for people to think about whether they have been offered this stolen jewellery and if so, to come forward and help us with our investigation.

“Similarly, anyone who thinks they may have witnessed this incident or anyone acting suspiciously in the St John’s Wood area around this time is asked to get in touch.”

The suspects are described as three black men, all over 5ft 10ins tall, wearing masks covering the lower part of their faces.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 5300/18JAN19 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.