South American Gangs Execute Military-Style Raids on UK Jewellery Stores
Organised criminal gangs from South America are targeting British jewellery stores with what experts describe as "military precision" before fleeing the United Kingdom within days of their carefully orchestrated raids. According to former Flying Squad officer Sarah Staff, these sophisticated operations have seen a dramatic escalation in frequency and boldness throughout 2026.
Alarming Surge in Smash-and-Grab Attacks
The statistics reveal a troubling trend: smash-and-grab raids have increased from approximately two per month in 2025 to two per week in 2026, with half of all incidents concentrated in London. In the first six weeks of this year alone, thieves snatched over £2 million worth of necklaces, chains, watches, and other precious items from retailers across the country.
Sarah Staff, who now heads the intelligence-sharing security initiative SaferGems, told LBC that these South American gangsters operate with remarkable proficiency. "They will already have their route to go back to America or to Europe to dispose of those items very quickly," she explained. "Sometimes they're in-and-out of the UK within 48 hours."
Recent Incidents Highlight Brazen Tactics
One particularly audacious attack occurred last month in Richmond, where hammer-wielding thieves broke into the family-run Gregory & Co jewellers in broad daylight. Footage shared widely on social media captured the moment two men swung a large hammer against the shop window, peeled away the glass, and filled a blue bag with displayed valuables.
Despite brave staff members attempting to fend off the robbers—even hitting them with a small box—the thieves successfully fled the scene with their loot. Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with this incident, which exemplifies the gangs' calculated approach.
Gold's Rising Value Fuels Criminal Activity
Ms Staff noted that the significant increase in gold prices has made precious metals particularly attractive to criminal enterprises. "Gold is a very attractive commodity," she stated. "It's very easy to sell, easy to melt down, hiding its origin and any unique marks on it." This combination of high value, global demand, and anonymity makes gold ideal for criminal transactions, often used instead of cash in illicit markets.
The data supports this analysis: while there were 22 robberies of jewellers across the UK in 2025, January 2026 alone saw 10 attacks on stores—five in London. Additionally, six burglaries and 13 thefts occurred in just the first four weeks of the year, making it the month with the highest number of robberies in the past decade.
Distraction Thefts and International Operations
These gangs employ various sophisticated tactics, including elaborate distraction schemes. In one Brighton incident, a group of six thieves collaborated to create chaos, targeting Stephanie Regan and her mother after they had pawned sentimental gold jewellery to pay for a life-changing seizure detector for Ms Regan's epileptic son. The meticulously orchestrated theft involved puncturing a car tyre and stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery within three minutes.
International operations further demonstrate the gangs' scope. Last September, a group of Chilean "burglary tourists" who travelled to the UK specifically to steal luxury items were jailed after targeting at least 11 properties across Surrey and London. They stole watches, clothes, jewellery, and even unopened Christmas gifts, with one member, Yeico Guzman Fernandez, arriving from Chile with the "sole intention of thievery" according to Surrey Police.
Government Response and Law Enforcement Challenges
Home Office minister Mike Tapp told LBC that the government is taking the issue "extremely seriously" and working closely with the National Crime Agency to dismantle these criminal networks through arrests and deportations. However, the transient nature of these gangs—often entering and leaving the country within days—presents significant challenges for law enforcement.
The combination of rising precious metal prices, global criminal networks, and highly organised tactics has created a perfect storm for UK jewellers, who now face unprecedented threats from these international gangs operating with what one expert called "military precision."
