Thieves made off with more than £1 million worth of jewellery, cash and designer clothes in a raid at a mansion in one of London’s most affluent areas while a mother and her children were inside.
Detectives launched an investigation after burglars ransacked the home in Hampstead before making off with a stash of “hugely sentimental” diamond rings, earrings and necklaces.
The unknown number of suspects are said to have made their escape through a first floor window of the home in Hampstead Lane, near ‘Billionaires’ Row’ which is home to some of London’s wealthiest residents.
Police today released images of some of the items stolen, including two Cartier bracelets, which can cost up to £238,000, a pair of Bellduc diamond earrings, and gold Chanel earrings with three strings of diamonds.
Other items taken included a ring with a white gold band and a 7 carat one centimetre round diamond set in the middle, and gold band earrings with embedded square set diamonds.
Scotland Yard said a woman in her 30s was in the house when the thieves scaled its wall before “brazenly” ransacking her belongings at around 5pm on Thursday, November 14.
Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said: “Burglary is an extremely intrusive crime and the effect is often compounded further when the occupants are at home.
“This is an aggravating feature of this case as the victim was present with her young children when the burglars have forced entry, scaling the wall of the mansion and brazenly ransacking the premises.”
Homes in the same road sell for up to £9 million.
Detective Inspector Ridley added: “I am today releasing images of some of the items that were stolen and are of huge sentimental value to the victim. Many of these are very distinctive and rare including the necklace, ring and earrings.
“I would ask anyone who has been offered this jewellery, including private collectors or jeweller’s; or seen these items for sale anywhere to report it to us immediately.
“I can assure you that all information will be treated in confidence and will be acted upon by my investigation team – I need the names of these intruders as a priority.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 6371/14 NOV.
