A brazen daylight robbery unfolded in a five-story mansion located in St John’s Wood, London, resulting in the theft of over £10 million worth of jewelry, handbags, and cash. The meticulously planned heist took place on December 7th, targeting the residence of Shafira Huang, a 35-year-old Hong Kong influencer and cultural ambassador known for her opulent lifestyle. CCTV footage captured the masked burglar, described as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, methodically collecting handfuls of dazzling necklaces, rings, and bangles, swiftly stuffing them into a black rucksack. The thief also pilfered £150,000 worth of Hermes Crocodile Kelly handbags and £15,000 in cash.
The burglar’s audacious entry involved a failed attempt at the second-floor window, marked by pry marks suggesting the use of a screwdriver or crowbar. Undeterred, he scaled the mansion and descended through a bathroom window on the roof, maneuvering down a concrete gutter with surprising agility. Despite the scattered cosmetics and £300 in cash left undisturbed in the bathroom, the thief bypassed these distractions and zeroed in on his primary target: the jewelry. A chilling near-encounter occurred as the burglar narrowly missed the household maid in the corridor, mere moments separating them. One image from the CCTV footage even appears to show the thief carrying an unidentified weapon, possibly a blowtorch.
The burglar ransacked the house, wrestling with jewelry cases and indiscriminately grabbing valuable items, his actions demonstrating a clear focus on speed and efficiency. The family’s spokesperson, Csaba Virag, present during the theft, described the burglar’s movements as “cat-like.” He noted the burglar’s attempt to escape through a window, thwarted by the security measures in place. This forced the thief to find an alternative exit, ultimately managing to slip away undetected.
The stolen jewelry included several unique and recognizable pieces from renowned brands such as Graff, De Beers, Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chrome Hearts, and Chopard. A standout item among the stolen goods is a 10.73-carat diamond ring from Graff, along with two butterfly diamond rings from De Beers. Other notable losses include a 3.03-carat ring, an aquamarine ring, and a ‘Niloticud Lumiere’ necklace from Hermes. Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including a clip featuring gold, diamonds and sapphires, a ‘Fleur des Mers’ ring, and a vintage diamond, sapphire, and platinum necklace/bracelet collection from 1978, were also amongst the stolen treasures. The haul also included a gold and emerald bracelet and a gold and sapphire bracelet by Chrome Hearts, a pair of significant diamond earrings from Chopard, and uniquely designed pink sapphire butterfly earrings from Katherine Wang.
Following the robbery, the Huang family contacted the Metropolitan Police, understandably in a state of shock. They are now cooperating fully with the investigation, eager to recover the stolen items. In a bid to expedite the process, they have offered a substantial reward of £1.5 million: £500,000 for information leading to the thief’s arrest and 10% of the recovered items’ value. All household staff have undergone and passed lie detector tests, further deepening the mystery surrounding the burglary.
The Metropolitan Police have released a detailed list of the stolen items, hoping their distinct nature will aid in their recovery. The public is being urged to come forward with any information that could help identify and apprehend the perpetrator. The brazen nature of the crime, coupled with the high value of the stolen goods and the influencer’s public profile, has drawn significant attention to the case. The investigation continues, with authorities hoping to bring the audacious jewel thief to justice. The Huang family, known for documenting their extravagant lifestyle, now find themselves in the unwanted spotlight, highlighting the vulnerability even the most affluent can face. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security measures, even in seemingly secure environments.
