Mayfair Jeweller in £40million Heist
August 11, 2009 by Rob Powell
A Mayfair jeweller has been victim to one of the biggest robberies in British criminal history.
Two smartly dressed thieves walked into Graf jewellers in New Bond Street last Thursday and threatened staff with handguns. They made off with a huge stash of rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces with a combines value of 65 million USD (just under £40million).
The audacious pair took a female member of staff out onto the street with them, firing a shot before making off in a parked BMW car. They then drove to Dover Street, via Stafford Street, where they ditched the BMW, fired another shot and police believe made off in a silver Mercedes. Police believe there was another car switch in Farm Street.
Det Chief Inspector Pam Mace from the Flying Squad said: “This was a well planned robbery with a number of vehicles used to help the robbers escape. These men are extremely dangerous and fired at least two shots in busy London streets as they made their getaway.
“Someone knows who these men are, they would undoubtedly have spoken about it beforehand or boasted about it afterwards. I would urge anyone who recognises them, knows the whereabouts of the jewellery or has any other information to contact us.”
Police have released descriptions of the two wanted men, and also a CCTV image which they believe shows the two robbers.
Suspect 1 is white, approximately 30 years old, with a slim build, dark hair with a well-combed side parting, light stubble on his face and is 5 ft 10 – 6 ft tall. He was wearing a grey suit, white shirt and tie.
Suspect 2 is black, described as being in his 30s, 6 ft tall, more well built than the first suspect, with very short Afro hair. He was also wearing a grey suit, white shirt and tie.
It is believed both men spoke with London accents.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Barnes Flying Squad on 020 8247 4804; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
“An Evening With Pugin” in Farm Street
July 7, 2009 by Rob Powell
Who’ll Get Custody Of The Pub?
October 19, 2008 by Rob Powell
If you have picked up a paper in the last week, you will be aware that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing. This one looks set to run and run, with the papers overjoyed to have the first big divorce since Macca vs Mills to get its teeth into. Apparently Madonna has even hired Fiona Shackleton to represent her, and she was last seen getting a jug of water tipped over her by Heather Mills McCartney in that bitter split with Sir Paul.
But at the end of it all, who will end up running the Punchbowl – the pub the couple own in Farm Street. With the Madonna apparently keen to return to the US, the smart money would probably be on Mr Ritchie but no doubt we will find out in due course as this case is likely to get full saturation coverage for the forseeable future.
The Punchbowl: A Local Pub For Local People?
August 8, 2008 by Rob Powell
The Daily Telegraph has reported that Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s pub, The Punchbowl in Farm Street, is facing investigation by licencing officers at Westminster council over claims that the a two tier pricing policy has been in operating, with regulars being less more than non-regulars and tourists.
The paper quotes Brian Richardson, who claimed: “On Monday I paid £3.50 for a pint, now all of a sudden it’s £3.90. I was shocked. I complained to staff. They have got two prices – regulars prices and non-regulars prices”.