A woman could be part of a smash-and grab robbery gang that targeted a jeweller in Kingsbury yesterday afternoon, a witness claims.
The eight-strong mob rode up on motorbikes outside ‘The Jeweller’ shop in Kingsbury Road, before smashing its windows with axes and sledgehammers and snatching thousands of pounds worth of stock at 2pm.
Four robbers are believed to have stayed on their bikes while the rest carried out the theft before jumping back on and fleeing the scene.
According to Lubna Jamal, owner of Dubai Bazaar which is next door to the store, said she thinks one of the robbers is a female.
She said: “I’m sure one of them was a lady. She was wearing leggings and you don’t see men wearing leggings.
“I really think she was a lady.”
As the robbery took place angry traders united to try and stop the robbers by throwing items at them and running into the road to stop the traffic.
Video footage has emerged that shows a man on a burgundy moped being pulled off his vehicle by the angry crowd.
He is then arrested by police.
The 24-year-old is currently in police custody.
Another witness captured footage of one of the robbers abandoning his bike and fleeing on foot through Roe Green Park.
Officers from the Met’s Flying Squad are appealing for witnesses and anyone with compelling mobiles phone footage to come forward.
Detective Inspector Scott Hartley, investigating officer, said: “This was a brazen robbery carried out in the middle of the day. There were lots of passers by who would have seen the suspects smashing their way into the store and making off. I would like to praise the bravery of those in the local community who intervened in dangerous circumstances.
“We have spoken to a number of witnesses but would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police about what they saw to call us on 0208 -785-8655 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111. Likewise we are mindful of footage of the incident circulating on social media. If anyone has any footage that could benefit investigating officers, I would urge them to get in touch.”
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