Celebrities’ neighbourhood in Richmond-Upon-Thames shaken as armed thieves use getaway van to raid jewellery store in broad daylight

Richmond-Upon-Thames, long celebrated as a picturesque riverside town and a celebrity haven, is facing a worrying surge in violent crime.

Known for its cobbled streets, riverside walks, and high-end boutiques, the area has attracted stars like Mick Jagger, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hardy, and Richard E Grant.

But last Saturday morning, the tranquility of this scenic corner of London was shattered when thieves carried out a brazen ram-raid on a local jewellery store.

The incident has left locals and business owners shaken, highlighting a growing concern about security in one of London’s most beloved tourist and residential hubs.

The attack has sparked fears that without urgent measures, Richmond’s riverside charm could be overshadowed by crime.

How the Raid Unfolded

CCTV footage captured by nearby residents shows two masked men smashing the window of Gregory & Co, a family-run jewellers with a 45-year history in the town.

The robbers pried open the display, grabbed the goods, and made a swift escape on foot around 10.30am.

What makes the robbery particularly alarming is the meticulous planning behind it.

The getaway car, a white two-seater Peugeot van, had been parked illegally at the bottom of Old Palace Lane for three days, accumulating parking tickets as it waited for the opportune moment.

After the raid, the thieves are believed to have stuffed the stolen items into the van and driven a short distance to Richmond Green before abandoning the vehicle, potentially escaping on a moped.

Businesses Call for Urgent Action

Local business owners are speaking out, warning that crime is starting to deter visitors and harm the area’s reputation.

Luli Regaca, who owns the barber shop Art 8 next door to Gregory & Co, said the incident has left customers hesitant to visit.

“These guys were not young kids—they moved with purpose,” she noted.

Similarly, Rupa Nair from Chango Mexican food chain voiced concerns about tourism: “American tourists come here expecting a safe experience.

Incidents like this make them question whether Richmond is a safe place to visit.”

Other business owners are calling for a stronger police presence, improved security measures, and even government intervention.

Alai Naseer, assistant manager at Sporting Feet, suggested that shop staff need better training to deter attackers, highlighting that high-end stores are prime targets without proper protocols.

A Pattern of Targeted Crime

This was not Richmond’s first high-profile robbery.

The raid hit just two doors away from the flat used as Ted Lasso’s residence in the Apple TV series, which has attracted increased attention to the area.

Similar burglaries have occurred over the past two years, including an incident at Hannah Waddingham’s home and a £1 million theft from Richard Ashcroft’s property.

The timing also coincides with broader social and economic changes.

Richmond recently experienced a dip in property values after the introduction of the so-called “mansion tax,” with average home prices falling by nearly £20,000 in November alone, according to ONS data analyzed by Purplebricks.

This has added to concerns about the area’s stability and safety.

The Wider London Context

The Richmond raid comes just 11 days after a high-profile robbery in Knightsbridge, where a gang on mopeds raided a Rolex store, threatening a security guard with a machete.

Such incidents have led some celebrities, like Tom Cruise, to reconsider their London residences, demonstrating the growing impact of crime on the city’s affluent areas.

Superintendent Craig Knight, responsible for neighbourhood policing in Richmond, has vowed to bring the culprits to justice.

“We understand the impact on the community and businesses,” he said.

“Officers are working at pace to identify those responsible and pursue several lines of inquiry.”

What’s Next?

Authorities are now appealing to local residents and visitors for information about the robbery.

Police presence in Richmond is expected to increase temporarily, with more patrolling in key areas, particularly around Old Palace Lane and Richmond Green.

Meanwhile, business owners are considering long-term security upgrades, including CCTV enhancements, alarm systems, and staff training for handling high-risk situations.

The incident has reignited a debate about policing, crime prevention, and community safety in London’s high-end boroughs.

Residents hope that swift action can restore confidence and ensure Richmond remains a safe, vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike.

Summary

Richmond-Upon-Thames, a riverside town famed for its charm, celebrity residents, and cobbled streets, has been rocked by a well-planned jewellery store ram-raid.

Thieves used a van parked illegally for three days to execute the heist, leaving locals and business owners alarmed.

The attack adds to a pattern of targeted crimes in the area, threatening both tourism and local commerce.

Residents are calling for stronger police presence and improved security, while authorities work to catch the perpetrators.

Richmond now faces a critical moment to safeguard its reputation as one of London’s most picturesque and popular boroughs.