A pair of hammer-wielding robbers tried to raid a posh pawnbrokers in London – only to be thwarted by a smokescreen.
Dramatic footage shows the thieves, who were both masked by their motorcycle helmets, enter Chelsea’s Prestige Pawnbrokers – beloved by celebrities including Janet Jackson.
The robbers appear to have smashed a large window to enter the shop, only to be foiled by a thick plume of smoke and startled by a blaring alarm system.
A woman filming from a window above shouts ‘they’re robbing’ as the two enter the store, only to stumble back out again as the smoke thickens.
They then jump on their motorcycle, which was parked just outside, and flee the scene seemingly empty handed.
Three men then appear to investigate and try to stop the alarm and intense smoke system.
The incident took place on Monday evening, with no arrests made so far, the Met Police confirmed.
The shop, also called Posh Pawn, is famous for its luxury items and has seen famous faces visit – including Janet Jackson.
The American singer, 55, was seen leaving Prestige Pawnbrokers in 2022 and is said to have become something of a regular there.
Dramatic footage shows the thieves, who were both masked by their motorcycle helmets, enter Prestige Pawnbrokers in Chelsea
The robbers appear to have smashed a large window to enter the shop, only to be foiled by a thick plume of smoke and startled by a blaring alarm system
Janet was seen leaving clutching a blue jewellery box under a sign which read ‘Posh Pawn’ and got into a Range Rover parked outside – and apparently it wasn’t her first visit.
A source told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘She is a big fan of the shop and the staff look forward to welcoming her. She is always very chatty.
‘She’s been in five or six times and loves looking around. She is a valued client.’
An onlooker in the store said: ‘Janet was in Prestige Pawnbrokers for quite some time, she was looking at the jewellery for a while and seemed quite interested in a Hermes bag.
‘She was clutching a blue jewellery box, but it wasn’t clear what it contained. She seemed to be very friendly and was chatting away with the staff asking questions about various items on display.’
Prestige Pawnbrokers also had its own Channel 4 hit documentary series, which uncovered the world of high-end pawnbroking.
The shop – also known as ‘Posh Pawn’ is famous for its luxury items and has seen famous faces visit – including Janet Jackson (pictured leaving the store in 2022)
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at 17:05hrs on Monday, 18 August to a commercial premises on Draycott Avenue, SW3 following reports of an attempted burglary.
‘An investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.
‘Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote CAD 5534/18AUG.
‘You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Prestige Pawnbrokers for comment.
