A quiet Saturday morning in Richmond, a picturesque London neighborhood famed for its leafy streets and the heartwarming backdrop of the TV show *Ted Lasso*, was shattered by a brazen act of theft. Two masked figures descended upon Gregory & Co, a family-owned jewellers, turning a peaceful scene into one of fear and chaos.
Dramatic footage captured by a nearby café customer reveals the shocking speed of the raid. With brutal force, the robbers smashed through the reinforced window, the sound echoing through the affluent area. Locals screamed as the pair swiftly began plundering displays of diamonds and gold, scooping the glittering treasures into a waiting bag.
The entire operation lasted less than a minute. Witnesses describe a terrifying scene, with shop staff bravely attempting to intervene, pushing back against the robbers and desperately trying to protect the precious jewels. Their courage, however, couldn’t prevent the thieves from escaping across Richmond Green, leaving behind a trail of shattered glass and stunned onlookers.
The jewellers, located just steps from the iconic flat used in *Ted Lasso*, has become a focal point of concern. Some residents believe the show’s popularity has inadvertently drawn unwanted attention to the area, making it a target for criminals. A similar burglary occurred at the *Ted Lasso* flat itself two years prior, fueling these anxieties.
Amy Hilton, a witness to the robbery, recounted the shock and fear that gripped those present. “It was very shocking,” she said, “People were out and about, and everyone was very scared. I’d just been for a park run and couldn’t believe what I was seeing – in Richmond, of all places.”
The incident has stirred a deeper unease among residents, recalling a recent spate of break-ins in late 2024. One homeowner described shadowy figures attempting to enter a neighbor’s property, prompting a widespread review of home security systems. The area, once considered a haven, now feels vulnerable.
Karen Lewis, a long-time resident, voiced a growing sentiment: “The *Ted Lasso* filming has brought unwanted attention. Burglars know a lot of the houses are empty for long periods. A lot of people in the area think the same.” The fear is that the idyllic charm of Richmond has made it a target, a perception amplified by recent events.
Tony Puci, who lives on the same street, confronted the robbers from his window, describing one’s attire as particularly striking. He believes the show has undeniably attracted criminal activity, recalling a previous attempted burglary at the *Ted Lasso* flat. His observation underscores the community’s growing sense of vulnerability.
The aftermath of the raid has left residents reeling. Carolina McCrea, a café worker nearby, expressed the collective shock: “It’s very frightening, terrifying that they could do this. It’s a lovely area, and we are in shock.” The sense of security, once taken for granted, has been irrevocably shaken.
This incident echoes a previous, tragic robbery in 2023 at another Richmond jeweller, 247 Kettles Watch store, where luxury watches worth over £1.3 million were stolen. The shop manager, Oliver White, tragically took his own life following the ordeal, adding a somber weight to the current situation.
Detectives are meticulously reviewing footage and conducting forensic analysis, but so far, no arrests have been made. Anyone with information regarding the raid on Gregory & Co is urged to contact the police, as the community grapples with a newfound sense of unease and a loss of innocence in their once-peaceful neighborhood.
