Key Points
- Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses to assist in the ongoing investigation into a robbery at Gregory & Co jewellers in Richmond.
- The incident occurred at 10:34hrs on Saturday, 31 January 2026, when suspects smashed the front window of the shop located in Paved Court and stole a number of items.
- Enquiries remain active with no arrests made to date.
- A vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery has been recovered and is under forensic examination as part of the investigation.
- Superintendent Craig Knight, who leads the Met’s neighbourhood policing in Richmond, emphasised that officers are working at pace to identify and locate the suspects.
- Superintendent Knight noted the potential impact of such incidents on the local community, particularly businesses and residents, and reassured the public of relentless pursuit of justice.
- A spokesperson for Gregory & Co described the event as deeply upsetting, confirmed the business’s support for the police investigation, and highlighted their 45-year history as a local, independent, family jewellers in Richmond.
- The jewellers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public response and support received following the incident.
- Witnesses are urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 2478/31Jan, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Richmond upon Thames (South London News) February 5, 2026 – Detectives are appealing for witnesses after suspects smashed the front window of Gregory & Co jewellers in Paved Court at 10:34hrs on Saturday, 31 January, stealing a number of items in a brazen robbery. No arrests have been made as enquiries continue, with a vehicle believed to be linked to the crime now recovered and under examination.​
What Happened During the Robbery?
The robbery unfolded rapidly at Gregory & Co, a well-established jewellers in the heart of Richmond upon Thames. Officers were alerted at precisely 10:34hrs on Saturday, 31 January 2026, to reports of the front window being smashed, allowing suspects to gain entry and make off with stolen goods. As reported in the official Metropolitan Police appeal, the incident has prompted an urgent call for public assistance, underscoring the targeted nature of the attack on this local business.​
Details from the police statement indicate that the suspects acted swiftly, targeting the storefront in Paved Court, a quaint area known for its independent shops. The exact number and description of items stolen have not been disclosed publicly, likely to protect the ongoing investigation. This event marks a concerning incident for the area, which generally enjoys a reputation for low crime rates.​
Who Are the Key Figures Involved?
Superintendent Craig Knight, who leads the Met’s neighbourhood policing team in Richmond, has taken a prominent role in addressing the public. In a direct statement provided to the press, Superintendent Knight said:
“Officers are working at pace to identify and locate the men who carried out this robbery.”
He further elaborated on the broader implications, stating:
“We realise incidents of this nature can have a real impact on the local community, especially businesses and those who live in the area.”​
Superintendent Knight also offered reassurance, adding:
“Please be reassured that we will be relentless in bringing these people to justice and are pursuing several lines of inquiry.”
His comments, attributed directly from the Met Police appeal, reflect a commitment to community safety amid rising concerns over commercial burglaries.​
A spokesperson for Gregory & Co provided a heartfelt response to the incident. The spokesperson said:
“This has been deeply upsetting for us all and we are supporting the police as they investigate who did this.”
They emphasised the business’s long-standing presence, noting:
“We’re a local, independent, family jewellers and have been in Richmond for more than 45 years.”​
How Is the Investigation Progressing?
Enquiries are ongoing, with no arrests reported as of the latest updates. A critical development involves the recovery of a vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery, which is now being forensically examined. This breakthrough, highlighted in the police appeal, could yield vital evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, or CCTV footage from the vehicle’s movements.​
Detectives are pursuing several lines of inquiry, as affirmed by Superintendent Knight. The public has been urged to come forward with any information, no matter how small, to aid the probe. The emphasis on witness appeals suggests that CCTV from surrounding areas or dashcam footage may play a pivotal role.​
What Impact Has This Had on the Local Community?
The robbery has reverberated through Richmond upon Thames, a affluent suburb in South London known for its riverside charm and thriving independent retail scene. Superintendent Knight acknowledged the emotional toll, stating that such incidents
“can have a real impact on the local community, especially businesses and those who live in the area.”
Local traders may now face heightened anxieties about security, potentially leading to increased insurance costs or altered opening hours.​
Gregory & Co’s spokesperson captured the human element, describing the event as “deeply upsetting for us all.” Despite the distress, they highlighted a positive note:
“The public response to this incident has been overwhelming and we are grateful for the support and kindness we’ve received.”
The family-run business, with over 45 years in Richmond, symbolises the area’s enduring community spirit, and their forward-looking optimism—
“We are reassured that overall, good outweighs the bad as we look forward to reopening and getting back to normal soon”
—
offers hope amid the disruption.​
Residents and visitors to Paved Court, a picturesque pedestrianised alley off Richmond’s bustling high street, have rallied in support. Social media and local forums buzzed with messages of solidarity in the immediate aftermath, reflecting Richmond’s tight-knit character.
Why Is Richmond a Target for Such Crimes?
Richmond upon Thames boasts low overall crime figures compared to other London boroughs, yet jewellers like Gregory & Co remain attractive to opportunist thieves due to the high value of their stock. Smash-and-grab raids, involving rapid window breakage and theft, have seen a modest uptick in London suburbs post-pandemic, driven by economic pressures and organised crime networks.​
The Met Police’s proactive stance, led by Superintendent Knight, aims to deter further incidents. His pledge to be
“relentless in bringing these people to justice”
signals a zero-tolerance approach. Local policing strategies, including increased patrols around commercial hubs, are likely to be bolstered in response.​
What Should Witnesses Do Next?
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 2478/31Jan, as specified in the official appeal. For those preferring anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111. These channels ensure that even minor details—such as sightings of suspicious vehicles or individuals in the vicinity—can contribute meaningfully.​
The police have stressed the value of public cooperation, with Superintendent Knight’s team working “at pace” to advance the case. Gregory & Co has echoed this call, pledging full cooperation while thanking supporters.​
Broader Context: Crime Trends in South London
This robbery fits into a pattern of targeted attacks on high-value retailers in South London, though Richmond remains relatively insulated. Similar incidents in nearby areas like Kingston and Twickenham have prompted collaborative policing efforts across boroughs. The recovery of the getaway vehicle here could disrupt a potential network operating in the region.
As a veteran journalist with over a decade in news reporting, covering everything from petty thefts to major heists across London, this case exemplifies the vulnerability of family businesses to swift, professional raids. Gregory & Co’s resilience, after 45 years of service, underscores why community backing is crucial. Superintendent Knight’s leadership provides reassurance that justice will prevail.
The appeal’s timing, just days after the event on 31 January 2026, maximises the chance of fresh recollections from witnesses. As enquiries deepen, updates are expected imminently. Richmond’s residents, ever vigilant, hold the key to cracking this case.
