Hunt for 'lone wolf' thief who stole jewellery worth $21 million from London mansion

A burglary in the UK resulted in the theft of $21 million worth of goods, with a thief managing to steal a large quantity of jewelry and designer items from a mansion in just 19 minutes. Detectives from the London Metropolitan Police have released photos of some of the stolen items, most of which are custom-made and of immense value. The mansion is located on Avenue Road in St. John's Wood, London, a street known as "Billionaires' Row" and one of London's most exclusive residential areas, home to many international magnates.

According to The Guardian, the thief entered the 13-bedroom mansion through a second-floor window at 5:11 PM on December 7th, searched several rooms, and then went downstairs to break open a safe. He escaped through the same second-floor window at 5:30 PM. The stolen items include a Hermès crocodile Kelly bag worth approximately $300,000, $30,000 in cash, and $21 million worth of jewelry. Among the stolen jewelry were a Graff 10.73-carat diamond ring, two De Beers butterfly diamond rings, a Hermès 3.03-carat ring, an aquamarine ring, and a "Light of the Nile" necklace.

Approximately eight people, including staff and family members, were at home at the time of the incident. Detective Paul Roberts stated that many of the stolen items are unique and therefore easily identifiable. "This was a brazen crime, with the suspect entering the property while carrying an unknown weapon, violating the family's sense of security," he said. "We urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Avenue Road, NW8, to come forward. Furthermore, if you have seen these pieces of jewelry since, have been offered them for sale, or have any other information, please contact the police or the anonymous crime reporting hotline."

Csaba Virag, the family's chief of staff who was also in the mansion at the time, told The Guardian that surveillance footage suggests the thief "is definitely not a first-timer." The burglary appears to be the work of a "lone wolf," but the thief may seek a wider network to offload the stolen items, Virag said. The family has offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Additionally, an extra reward of 10% of the value will be offered for any items that are recovered.