Newly released CCTV footage has unveiled how a masked intruder executed a daring heist, stealing over £10 million worth of jewellery and luxury handbags from a mansion in London’s exclusive St John’s Wood neighborhood.
The footage captures the burglar navigating the property with precision, stuffing valuables into a backpack. The thief, described as moving “like a cat,” initially attempted to enter through a second-floor window but eventually accessed the house via a bathroom on the same level after climbing onto the roof and lowering himself into a gutter.
The home, owned by Hong Kong socialite Shafira Huang, was occupied at the time by staff, including a governess who was in a basement meeting during the burglary. Marks left on the property suggest the intruder used tools like a crowbar or screwdriver during his entry attempt.
Inside, CCTV captured the thief methodically opening cases containing expensive items and narrowly avoiding a confrontation with a housemaid, with the two crossing paths within seconds in the same hallway. Despite the chaos, £300 in cash was left untouched in one room.
The stolen items include rare Hermes handbags, £15,000 in cash, and various pieces of high-value jewellery. Authorities estimate the thief’s height at 175 cm (5’8″) and believe he may have been armed.
Rewards totaling up to £1.5 million have been offered for information leading to the suspect’s capture or the recovery of the stolen items. The investigation continues, with calls for anyone in the Avenue Road area who noticed suspicious activity to come forward.
This bold crime has drawn attention to the security challenges faced by residents in some of London’s wealthiest areas.
