Three audacious criminals ram-raided a jewellery shop in east London using a stolen Mercedes, making off with an estimated £10,000 worth of jewellery. The brazen early-morning attack occurred at Kalidas Jewellers on George Lane in South Woodford.
Dramatic CCTV Footage Captures Raid
CCTV footage from a nearby shop, Martin Oliva, shows a silver Mercedes SL-Class R230 reversing into the front of the jeweller four times. Two accomplices stood in the road, attempting to smash through metal shutters while the driver repeatedly rammed the vehicle into the storefront. The group continued undeterred even as a black van passed by at around 4:40 am. After about 20 seconds, they breached the security barriers, shattered the glass entrance, and grabbed jewellery before fleeing in the stolen Mercedes, which is capable of speeds up to 155 mph and worth around £25,000.
Police Investigation Underway
Police are now hunting the suspects. A source said: 'Approximately £10,000 worth of jewellery was reported as stolen.' The owner of Kalidas Jewellers added: 'I am still assessing the value of the damage, so the value of items taken could exceed £10,000.' He expressed little faith in the police response. A spokesperson for Martin Oliva commented: 'Unfortunately, our neighbouring jeweller was broken into. Incidents like this appear to be becoming increasingly common among jewellers across the UK.'
Rising Wave of Smash-and-Grab Attacks
The raid is the latest in a growing wave of smash-and-grab attacks targeting luxury retailers and jewellers across London. In recent months, organised gangs have carried out a string of brazen robberies at high-end stores, including Rolex, Yves Saint Laurent, and several independent jewellers. Thieves often use sledgehammers, stolen vehicles, and motorbikes to smash their way inside before fleeing with luxury goods. CCTV footage from numerous incidents shows thieves ramming SUVs through storefronts, shattering display windows, and clearing shelves of expensive watches, handbags, and jewellery within minutes.
Previous Incidents
Earlier this year, hammer-wielding raiders targeted family-run jeweller Gregory & Co in Richmond, west London, while another gang smashed into Sultan Jewellery in Shepherd’s Bush, escaping with high-value items. The Yves Saint Laurent Bond Street store was also hit when masked thieves drove a vehicle through the shopfront and stole designer handbags worth tens of thousands of pounds. Meanwhile, the Bucherer Rolex Boutique at One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge was targeted by a gang on motorbikes who stormed the store and fled with luxury watches in a raid lasting just minutes.
Public Concern and Police Response
These incidents have fuelled growing concern among shop owners and residents, with many warning that violent smash-and-grab robberies are becoming increasingly common across the capital. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'We recognise the significant impact incidents of this nature have on businesses and the communities around them. We are committed to responding robustly to this type of crime and are working at pace to apprehend those responsible for this crime. While no arrests have been made at this stage, detectives have conducted initial enquiries, including visiting the scene to speak to the victim and gathering relevant forensic evidence and CCTV footage.'
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met via 101, quoting reference 01/7492780/26. The incident occurred on April 28.
