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You can tell this is well planned- during a rush hour... would have only been stopped if the cozzers where stripped off "vauxhall" for horses or donkies...

Not surprised by the passer-by tho... this is London where one can get stabbed for being brave lol

- Teej, London, 18/03/2010 17:14
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I think the rider of the GSXR should have done a burnout to create a smokescreen for the other robbers. At least they robbed the place in style.

- Mark Hall, Crayford, Kent, 12/03/2010 10:34
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people are saying where the police, what do you think a pc or 2 even on the beat is going to do with a bunch of armed robbers, apart from get killed when a robber pulls a gun or knife out, its not worth a life to save a watch that is insured, all an officer could of done was call for a arv [armed response vehicle] to attend with out causing too much danger to his own life.

- Andy, London, 12/03/2010 03:04
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People who are (again) criticising the police. If you really want to see more of them, call on your MP for the abolition of National Crime Recording Standards. It's a fudge of a policy whereby any wasteful allegation of crime must be recorded and investigated. It wastes on average, at least three hours of a constables' day on spurious, and ordinarily unwanted investigations. Get rid of this and you'll see more police.

- Tom, London, 10/03/2010 16:42
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I desperately wish the nonces in government would put themselves in the shoes of the people that work in these places that frequently get done over. Maybe then they'd see how broken Britain really is and see how they're breaking the British spirits of the poor people who just want to get on with their job. I'm sure then they'd put more police on the streets. I know that's not the only answer, but it's a start.

- Eric, london, 10/03/2010 11:07
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There have been cases where if you make a citizens arrest, you can be prosecuted by the criminal for assault on their Human Rights !
The Government and all the MP's are to blame for this situation.

- Joe, Swanley Kent, 10/03/2010 08:54
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They are not a "Motorcycle Gang",they are simply thiefs who chose to use bikes as they are easier to get through traffic on,especially in London.Stop trying to make out that all bikers are part of "gangs" and are anti social.Typical journalism by someone who probably doesnt know the first thing about bikes or the people who ride them.

- Paul Mac, Edinburgh,Scotland, 10/03/2010 08:41
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This has to be one of the best grandmaster plans of a robbery i've ever seen in my whole sweet life.Infact,this should be re-inacted in the next Crank movie!!!!

- Jack, Pretoria, 10/03/2010 08:19
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When every second counts, the police are only minutes away."

Not to worry -- the police will arrive at the scene in plenty of time to take copious notes from witnesses, and draw chalk outlines around the bodies of any deceased victims, long before rigor mortis sets in.

Guns have been banned "to keep your hands from hellish crime". It appears that banning guns from the good people of Britain was a solution to a non-existent problem, which ironically caused the problem it was purported to have solved. Unfortunately, this ban also has the effect of giving criminals a guarantee of safety. Criminals are quite well aware that no “civilian” will have access to a weapon, and they can do as they wish with no interference. You can expect to see more, and even bolder crimes than this. Ask yourself, “What is the 'risk/reward ratio' in committing such a crime?”

Now perhaps Parliament will take up the question of how to ban motorcycles and sledgehammers. It's such a small sacrifice to ask of the good people of Britain, so that all of society may be safe and secure.

- Longpurple, USA, 10/03/2010 05:12
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welcome to the real world!!! its really scary but its true....may GOD bless us all...!!!

- Waqas Zia, LONDON/UK, 10/03/2010 02:06
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I wonder if they would have been carrying the new ID cards when we are all eventually made to carry them! Maybe if we are all issued with them the onlookers could throw theirs at the robbers to stop them!

- Tony, London, 10/03/2010 01:10
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"I'd be interested to hear those two taxi drivers take on this. If anyone could have blocked the robbers in it was them!"

Makes me laugh people saying this and that should have happened. Only if you were there have you got the right to say how you'd act. Why should some taxi driver risk his cab let alone his own personal safety. What if these muppets had smashed up their cabs. I bet the insurance company wouldn't have coughed up and they be off the road loss of income etc etc.
I bet if they had have barricaded these theives in some lefty do gooding ponce somewhere would have the taxi drivers done for illegal detention and infringement of the thieves human rights.

- Dan Dan, Ex Pat, Sydney, 10/03/2010 00:14
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I read comments above and shake my head...

"why get involved?"
"its all expensive & insured"

Who do you think pays for that insurance? We the general public.
Where do you think the money goes? To fund other crime.
Talk about short-sighted...

Sadly, a lot of Londoners have no spine. Half of these teenagers would brick themselves if somone stood up to them. You want to stop a motorbike, just grab 1 handlebar. Not that easy to keep a 200kg bike upright if someone wants to push it over.

- Nick, London, 09/03/2010 23:37
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Used to be a good few of these in the Knightsbridge area a while back near where I work. Then one night armed police possibly from that flying squad unit did a huge swoop on them and caught them red-handed. That was about a year ago. Hopefully they can catch this lot before too long. With the press coverage its getting the pressure will be on!

- Bazza, Chelsea, London, 09/03/2010 22:17
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There was a policewoman moving people off the pavement further down outside the Royal Academy, was she cosher??
Funny how she was there when it was all going on??

- Mac Bob, Buckinghamshire Uk, 09/03/2010 22:12
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absolutely disgracefull...agree with those complaining about the police! where the bloody hell are they when we need them. they'll be ther in a flash to arrest those ammeteur phototgraphers taking pics of the gerkin.. but wen it comes to a robbery, Daylight Robbery, nowhere to be seen!!! proposterous!! the police should hang their heads in shame!

- Saf, london, 09/03/2010 22:12
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coppers to busy stopping photographers than nicking real criminals.

- Tog, uk, 09/03/2010 21:20
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These criminals know that if they get caught they will only get a suspended sentence.
oh the reasons why there was no police in sight are
A)They are busy standing outside Tony Blairs exclusive property in W2, normally 6 officers at any one time.
B)The police will now get unlimited overtime, more finanical burden on the public coffers.. God help us Tax Payers ..R.I.P

- Dave, London, 09/03/2010 21:16
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The police what police?

- Michael Campbell, derry n ireland, 09/03/2010 20:56
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Marisa- Vine Street Police Station doesnt exist anymore

- Tom, london, 09/03/2010 20:42
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I work in Berkeley Square and these bikers raced passed me as I crossed a zebra crossing they got into trouble with traffic so they mounted the pavement,nice riding though!

- Steve Dare, Essex, 09/03/2010 20:21
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Is this one of those violent crimes that are no longer happening, according to government statistics?

- Linda, South London, 09/03/2010 19:56
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If I'd been in my my car I might have have driven at them, it then their choice to be vengent of think about hard time behind bars.

Can't believe those windows aren't polycarbonate reinforced and perhaps have a small network grill.

I bet the insurace will now ask?

- Tony, Hove England, 09/03/2010 19:33
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Any jeweller putting REAL gems in a window display needs to go out of business asap. Likewise with the watches: they should have had their insides removed/special ones made for display made from cheap materials.

- Ralph, London, 09/03/2010 19:01
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Clever criminals, So much for CCTV! Sarah they had crash helmets on, police are a waste of time!

Least nobody got hurt!

- David, London, 09/03/2010 18:52
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It's weird how there wasn't any police on the streets. Then again, I don't think that the police would've came to fast if that happened in America either.

- Ashley O., Milwaukee, U.S.A, 09/03/2010 18:28
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If the police hadn't been busy collecting these thugs dogs, they might of caught them, who said our youth don't have Imagination. Only an idiot would get involved, who knows what they have under there jackets. Until we change the system it will only get worse.

- Fred, London, 09/03/2010 18:16
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THIS IS WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS BECAUSE CRAZY WESTMINSTER COUNCIL HAVE TURNED THE BUSIEST ROAD IN LONDON INTO A CAR PARK..THESE THIEVES NO THE POLICE CANT GET NEAR THEM WITH THE OBSCENE TRAFFIC JAMS,WESTMINTER COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY..WESTMINSTER COUNCIL HOLD YOUR HEAD IN SHAME YOU LOONY LEFT PRICKS!!!!

- Paul, london, 09/03/2010 18:10
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Were is the OLD BILL ,?...

- John Matthews, London,e4, 09/03/2010 17:57
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It never ceases to amaze me that everyone is up in arms when petty thiefs steal from multi millionaire companies, yet our government and the global private banks have ripped the world off for trillions and no one seems to care.

- Andrew Buxton, London England, 09/03/2010 17:53
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Where were the pcso's. Oh yes drinking tea at the terminus cafe at victoria station again. Even if they were there they would of just stood and watched because thats all they can do. The taxi drivers were busy clocking the meters while ther customers in the back were watching the heist.

- Di Roach Bill Cid, Sunhill, 09/03/2010 17:15
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Hold on what with the cop house next door and fast response unit up down where was there ? on tea break and with amont of traffic on that strech are hey going to use t as n excause what was the work men? westminster this one fault to much road works but agan what and werewas the cops

- Leroy, London, 09/03/2010 17:05
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Quote: Ancient Wisdom, London, England Where were the traffic wardens to slap a ticket on the bikes?

I got one after just 64 seconds parked on a single yellow - £60 just like that, the weasel popped out of no where and did the deed.

You never had a sledgehammer in your hands Ancient, if you had, you would not have got a ticket.

And yes West End Central Police Station is just up the road, they were probably having breakfast at the time, mind you they still would not pop out to see what was going on without machine guns in their hands.

- Mickinlondon, london, 09/03/2010 17:01
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I'd be interested to hear those two taxi drivers take on this. If anyone could have blocked the robbers in it was them!

- Michael Rennej, London, 09/03/2010 16:56
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All that CCTV, and we're so much safer right?

- Libertyscott, London, 09/03/2010 16:54
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Rob from London:- Yes there is Vine Street Police station very nearby!

- Marisa, Europe, 09/03/2010 16:44
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I bet they were working for the Liebour party, topping up thier deleted funds.

- Jose Luis, London SW18, 09/03/2010 16:41
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I work opposite this shop and saw the incident.. It was absolute madness and to be honest over the road or not it was a little scary as this isn't something you see every day.

It took the police a very long time to get here (even though admittedly the traffic around here is a nightmare) there is a rumour that they had been tipped off about 'some suspicious men on bikes' circling around Bond Street by a number of security guards so if that's true their response time was poor!

In my opinion it isn’t worth getting involved and being injured by these thugs when the shops are insured.. their employees are told not to be heroes so why should Joe blogs who is at work or visiting London for the day?

- Kjo, Piccadilly, UK, 09/03/2010 16:36
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"Incredibly one man walked past as if nothing was happening"

What?!?!And his risk his own life to save Mappin and Webb's overpriced jewellery which is insured to the hilt anyway.

- Stephen, London, 09/03/2010 16:33
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Isn't there a rather large police station virtually next door?

- Rob, london, 09/03/2010 16:25
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Where were the traffic wardens to slap a ticket on the bikes?

I got one after just 64 seconds parked on a single yellow - £60 just like that, the weasel popped out of no where and did the deed.

- Ancient Wisdom, London, England, 09/03/2010 16:03
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Michael Lewisham , yeh and get knicked for your efforts right !!!! we all know who the law looks after now and it certainly isn't "have-a-go heroes " , where are the police and i wonder how long it took them to respond ?

- Adam, london, 09/03/2010 16:01
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The old boy is probably Lord Lucan!

- Jacob, Canterbury Kent, 09/03/2010 15:59
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I imagine the police response will be to want to ban motorcycles. They have been wanting to do it for years. Be a good child and remember to ask your friendly politburo policeman permission to leave the house

- Bexie, Ramsgate, 09/03/2010 15:59
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if there was an armed security officer on these premises police would have an easy job, just providing five plastic bags,

- Jake, haringey, 09/03/2010 15:58
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Obviously the elderly gent is trying to protect himself - why should he put himself in a potential firing line (bearing in mind the increasing incidence of guns on your streets in the UK)?

If these thugs are as brazen as that, I suspect they are unlikely to think twice about felling an elderly gent who gets in the way.

The journo who wrote the piece needs a reality check.

- Ian, London UK, 09/03/2010 15:58
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Personally i would have had them off their bikes rather sharpish and probably put a couple of them in hospital, but thats me, god help them the day they cross my path, sod the consequences.

- Leonard Lillywhites, Tottenham, 09/03/2010 15:57
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"Deimante Dirvelyte, 22, who works at Mackenzie's cashmere shop opposite, said: “It was terrifying. One of them had a huge sledgehammer and started swinging it at the window."

You were in another building across the road and you were terrified? you have a bunch of teenagers breaking a window to get some quick cash you silly fruit.

- Serox, London, 09/03/2010 15:53
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Just looking at that picture I'm wondering, why didn't a couple of the passing drivers box the thieves in?

Or if the police had been able to get there quick enough they could've done so?

What with the railings, the bike stands etc, a car at either end would've forced the thieves to ditch their bikes and they'd most likely have been caught by now.

Where are the have-a-go heroes when you need them? Have the British public lost so much of their courage and their ingenuity that they couldn't have thwarted these thugs?

It's no wonder these robberies continue to happen when the public remain so apathetic towards wrong-doing and are all too eager to pass the buck to an equally lacklustre police force.

What's happened to all the Britons who used to stand up for what's right?

- Michael, Lewisham, 09/03/2010 15:40
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Spud, you are so right...and Westminster council were supposed to have switched on their super-duper hi-resolution cameras again this week!!
I bet they will find that passer-by though, and fine him for something like jaywalking as the bikes were using the pavement like it was a road.......

- Tony G, London, 09/03/2010 15:39
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I'm surpised this shop does not have steel shutters like the local charity shop.

The guy passing by is probably the mastermind, overseeing everything, to make sure all is going to plan!

- Allan, Hebburn - UK, 09/03/2010 15:37
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If these criminals had any sense they would have waited until this evening when loads of motorcycles and scooters will be attending a big demonstration in central London against Westminster City Council's bike parking charges. They could have easily blended in then, but I guess they are not the brightest of people. It amazes me that there were no police around, especially after spending at least 5 minutes smashing the window. So much for CCTV!

- Sarah, London, 09/03/2010 15:32
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Ha! Ha! Wonder what the Met Commissioner will have to say?

- David Short, Tunis, Tunisia, 09/03/2010 15:32
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Who can blame them? They know that, if caught, they will get slap-on-the-wrist British criminal justice and a community service order at worst. I am extremely surprised that more Brits aren't catching on, and that a lot more jewellry shop windows aren't being smashed.

- Phil Jones, London EU, 09/03/2010 15:23
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as usual, lovely clear pictures ... but not a police officer in sight. i can't remember the last time i saw a police officer. do we have them still?

- Ben Farrell, London, 09/03/2010 15:09
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"Incredibly one man walked past as if nothing was happening"

And who can blame him?

I would have done exactly the same, why would I risk injury or death for a stores expensive jewellery, you would only get a revenge attack on you, and the thieves let off with a short sentence.

- P Staker, London, 09/03/2010 14:53
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The do-nothing passer-by is clearly a politician.

- Jane, London, 09/03/2010 14:51
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Isn't it amazing that you can drop a sweat wrapper on the ground or park on a yellow line for a nanosecond and either a plastic policeman or a full officer of the law will appear from nowhere, and slap a gazillion pound ticket on you and then take for DNA. However, driver 3 high powered bikes on the pavement, rev them up for 5 minutes while a sledghammer crashes against a plate glass window and guess what, not a sign of law enforcement... what a surprise.

- Spud, Purley, Surrey, 09/03/2010 14:49
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Arm a couple of security guards to blow the miscreants away, Dirty Harry style. There will be a lot less thievery.

- Boris Norris, Alcossebre, Spain, 09/03/2010 14:43
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