In a shocking daylight robbery, a family-run jewellers in Richmond, west London, was targeted by sledgehammer-wielding thieves who smashed through the front window and stole valuable items. The brazen heist occurred on Saturday, January 31, at Gregory & Co in Paved Court, leaving staff and bystanders in disbelief as the perpetrators made off with a haul of jewellery.
Brazen Attack in Leafy Suburb
At approximately 10:34 hours, police were alerted to the incident after suspects used a large hammer to shatter the glass frontage of the long-established jewellers. Eyewitnesses described two men swinging the sledgehammer with force against the window, creating a chaotic scene in the typically tranquil area. The assailants then peeled away the broken glass and filled a blue bag with all the valuables on display, demonstrating a calculated and ruthless approach.
Staff's Courageous Response
Inside the shop, staff members reacted with remarkable bravery, desperately attempting to claw back items before the thieves could snatch them. In a display of defiance, employees were seen hitting the robbers with what appeared to be a small box in an effort to deter them from taking more goods. Despite their courageous efforts, the thugs managed to flee the scene, leaving shocked bystanders to witness their escape.
Overwhelming Public Support
In the aftermath of the traumatic incident, the store staff have struck an optimistic note, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming public response. A spokesperson for Gregory & Co stated: 'We're a local, independent, family jewellers and have been in Richmond for more than 45 years. The public response to this incident has been overwhelming and we are grateful for the support and kindness we've received.'
The spokesperson added: 'We are reassured that overall, good outweighs the bad as we look forward to reopening and getting back to normal soon.' This resilience highlights the community spirit that has emerged following the attack, with many locals rallying around the beloved business.
Police Investigation Progresses
Although enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage, police have confirmed that a vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery has been recovered and is being examined as part of the investigation. Superintendent Craig Knight, who leads the Metropolitan Police's neighbourhood policing in Richmond, emphasised the force's commitment to solving the case.
Superintendent Knight said: 'Officers are working at pace to identify and locate the men who carried out this robbery. We realise incidents of this nature can have a real impact on the local community, especially businesses and those who live in the area. Please be reassured that we will be relentless in bringing these people to justice and are pursuing several lines of inquiry.'
Eyewitness Accounts and Similar Incidents
An employee from a nearby store, who witnessed the incident, told the Daily Mail: 'The two guys appeared out of nowhere carrying a large sledgehammer and a bag. They then started smashing the jewellers window up.' Footage of the attack, taken by an onlooker and shared widely on social media, clearly shows the two men swinging the hammer against the glass of Gregory & Co.
This heist follows a similar attack on Sultan Jewellers in Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, where several men smashed the shop's windows with sledgehammers. In that incident, police officers arrived within three minutes and were threatened with a hammer as the thieves attempted to escape on mopeds. A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in police custody, although multiple thieves managed to evade capture.
Community Impact and Historical Context
The robbery has left a significant mark on the local community, with a police cordon remaining in place for more than twelve hours after the theft. Shards of broken glass and scattered jewellery littered the pavement outside the shop, serving as a stark reminder of the violence that unfolded. Jack Stones, the landlord at the neighbouring Defectors Weld pub, reported seeing fresh blood on the pavement when he walked past at 7am, more than three hours after the attack.
One resident noted that the attack bore an eerie resemblance to a previous heist in October 2019, when three robbers armed with a sledgehammer smashed into the same shop using a Range Rover. This pattern of targeted attacks on jewellers in London's suburbs raises concerns about organised crime and the safety of small businesses in the capital.
As Gregory & Co prepares to reopen its doors, the incident underscores the challenges faced by independent retailers in maintaining security while fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The combination of police diligence, community support, and the staff's determination promises a path forward, even as the search for the perpetrators continues.
