Man unleashes smoke grenades and sledgehammer in raid on Mayfair hotel
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A man unleashed multiple smoke grenades on Claridge's hotel in central London while trying to steal jewels worth £190,000.
Jay McGinty arrived at the world-famous Mayfair hotel's riding pavilion on a Vespa scooter, whilst wearing a balaclava underneath his crash helmet.
Footage shows the 37-year-old pulling the pins out of the smoke grenades as he went through the revolving doors at the side entrance to the hotel on Davies Street.
It is just moments later that dark smoke engulfs the hallway, blocking the view.
McGinty can then be seen on CCTV using a sledgehammer to smash into a jewellery display case before fleeing the scene.
His escape was only thwarted by brave security staff who confronted him and held the revolving door shut.
The burglar was trapped inside until police arrived, even as he threatened one of the workers.
Monica Oluwole, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Jay McGinty tried to use a smokescreen to cover his brazen attempt to steal highly valued items of jewellery. More Trending
'He was caught red-handed thanks to the quick actions of the hotel security and staff who prevented him from escaping and called the police.
'This heist, although it had all the hallmarks of planning and reconnaissance work, didn't work and we were able to make sure he was brought to justice.'
McGinty pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary, which took place on March 14 at around 8.30pm.
He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday to six years in prison.
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