West London Jewellers 'Terrified' as Sledgehammer Raiders Strike Richmond Store
Shopkeepers in a southwest London borough have described feeling "terrified" after armed thieves used sledgehammers to smash their way into a high street jewellery shop over the weekend. The brazen raid at Gregory and Co in Richmond upon Thames occurred on the morning of Saturday, January 31, with footage widely shared showing two men tearing away at the shop's window before fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Local Business Owner Targeted Multiple Times
One local jeweller, speaking to LBC, revealed that his business has been targeted three times already, stating that thieves "know they can get away with it." He attributed the area's attractiveness to criminals to its affluence, forcing him to install enhanced security measures like a double glass system. Shop workers are often present during these raids as stock is removed from display overnight, adding to the fear.
"It's terrifying as it's going on, because you just don't know how it's going to escalate. But there's nothing you can do about it," the jeweller added, highlighting the helplessness felt by business owners.
Community Impact and Neighbourhood Concerns
Lorenzo Ali, who runs a cobbler's shop nearby, also described the latest incident as "terrifying", particularly for female staff and jewellery shops in the vicinity. "That's what worries me, because when it affects somebody sitting next to me, somehow it affects me as well. And I've known them for years. We are a little community. So it's frustrating to see something like that happen to my neighbour," he explained, underscoring the close-knit nature of the local business environment.
Police Response and Front Desk Closures
The Metropolitan Police reported that officers arrived at Gregory and Co within just 11 minutes after a 999 call was made at 10.34am. However, this raid coincides with the planned closure of the police front desk at Twickenham Police Station, located two miles from the crime scene, at the end of the month. This will leave Lewisham and Charing Cross as London's only remaining 24-hour police desks.
A spokesman for the Met Police addressed the closures, stating: "Our work to close the Met’s £260 million funding gap while prioritising frontline policing continues. In October, we released details of changes to how our front counters operate, by keeping 27 front counters open, and closing the other ten. Five of these counters were already operating at reduced hours."
The spokesman further explained: "Following months of engagement with partners, stakeholders and Trade Unions, the ten front counters to close will do so on Saturday February 28. From Tuesday March 3, 25 counters will be operating extended hours and two will remain 24/7. The closures form part of a number of tough choices the Met is having to make in order to operate within a shrinking budget while tackling neighbourhood crime and ensuring communities see a more visible police presence."
This incident has sparked renewed concerns among local business owners about safety and police accessibility in the area, as they grapple with the threat of repeated criminal activity.
