Queen Elizabeth’s royal jewellers were raided yesterday (25.08.08).
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Burglars stole more than £40,000 of gems from Mappin and Webb, in London’s West End, after smashing a car through the store’s thick security gates and windows.
The gang then broke into the shop’s display cabinets, taking expensive diamond rings and watches. Four men were seen leaving the scene on two mopeds.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were alerted to a burglary at a jeweller in Regent Street at around 1am. A Vauxhall Vectra Estate was driven through the front door and into the shop floor of the premises.”
The Mappin and Webb store – the official silversmiths to the queen and Prince Charles – was left in disarray, with glass covering the floor and display cabinets left smashed and empty.
Jonathan Kronn, the shop’s manager, said: “We are all fine, but the shop is obviously in chaos. We’re cleaning up at the moment.
“I can’t say how much they’ve taken, but it was watches and jewellery.”
Police believe the car used in the burglary was stolen and have appealed for witnesses to come forward and assist their investigation.
This is the second attack on the exclusive jewellers in five days. Last week, suspects escaped on mopeds with £30,000 of jewellery after smashing the shop’s windows with hammers.
