London police are investigating a high-value burglary after a thief broke into an occupied mansion and stole over £10.5 million ($13.2 million) in jewelry, designer handbags, and cash.
The property owners, reportedly an Instagram influencer and her property developer husband, were not home during the December 7 incident. However, staff were present, and surveillance footage revealed that a housekeeper narrowly missed encountering the armed intruder.
“This was a bold and calculated offense, with the suspect entering the property while armed with an unidentified weapon,” said Det. Constable Paulo Roberts of the Metropolitan Police on Monday when the theft was made public.
Stolen items included a 10.73-carat diamond ring, diamond earrings, and a gold, diamond, and sapphire-studded clip. The thief also took handbags valued at £150,000 ($189,000).
The homeowners have offered a £500,000 ($628,000) reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction, plus an additional 10% of the value of any recovered items.
Police reported the thief gained access by climbing through a second-floor window. Surveillance footage published by MailOnline shows the suspect walking down a hallway moments before a maid exited an elevator nearby.
The mansion, located near Regent’s Park, sits in one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods.
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