Socialite releases footage of £10m break-in at Primrose Hill mansion
In her first public statement since the theft on Dec 7, Shafira Huang said the items stolen were 'deeply personal' and included valuables that had been passed down from her mother.
Footage from the interior of the £60 million house, in north-west London, shows a masked man in dark clothing and baseball cap carefully picking out a blue alligator skin Hermes clutch bag from a rack of designer accessories.
Another clip shows the man rifling through an island dresser and cramming handfuls of jewellery into a backpack.
Via BBC News
Amongst the jewellery stolen was a 10.7-carat Graff diamond ring, two De Beers butterfly diamond rings, a Hermes 3.03-carat ring, an aquamarine ring and a Niloticus Lumiere necklace.
The man also made off with a unique Fleur des Mers ring, encrusted with diamonds and sapphires and a number of platinum necklaces and bracelets.
The suspect is believed to have armed himself with a blowtorch and made his way inside using a ladder from next door which is being renovated. Four months on, the thief remains at large.
The footage of the theft was released by Ms Huang on her personal Instagram, which features nearly 400 images and videos of her opulent lifestyle, including pictures with Prince William and Sarah, Duchess of York.
On Monday, the art collector and 'cultural ambassador' for the Halcyon Gallery issued an appeal for those with any 'actionable or leads or information' to come forward.
Ms Huang wrote: 'What I'm sharing in this video is to remind us that what was taken from me wasn't just physical – it was deeply personal: moments with loved ones, markers of growth, including some of them passed down from my mother and memories that can't be replicated.
'I believe someone, somewhere, may know something. Every clue counts – I truly believe that, if the responsible party is ever brought to justice, it will spare more families from enduring such a violation of safety and trust.
'I'm also inviting all those affected to join me in building a community initiative to enhance local safety and support a stronger police presence. Together, our unity can help ensure every law-abiding citizen enjoys the secure home they deserve.'
Ms Huang's representatives previously offered £500,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the burglar.
Det Constable Paulo Roberts, investigating the burglary, said: 'This is a brazen offence, where the suspect has entered the property while armed with an unknown weapon and violated the sanctuary of the victims' home.
'The suspect has stolen £10.4 million worth of jewellery, much of which is sentimental and unique in its design, and therefore easily identifiable.'
It is the second most expensive residential burglary in the UK. In 2019, Tamara Ecclestone, the British model and daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 chief, was the victim of a multi-million pound robbery.
Three thieves broke in and plundered £25 million worth of jewellery and cash from her Kensington Palace Gardens residence, dubbed Billionaire's Row, in Kensington, west London.
Regarding the Primrose Hill break-in a spokesman for the Met Police confirmed that an investigation was ongoing and urged the public to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD reference 5775/07DEC24.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


UPI
24 minutes ago
- UPI
Soccer star 'Chicharito' Hernandez criticized for alleged sexist comments
Professional soccer player Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez waves to the crowd during a match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., in 2016. File Photo by Michael Owen Baker/UPI | License Photo July 24 (UPI) -- Professional soccer player Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is under investigation by the Mexican Football Federation for allegedly sexist comments made online. The Federation, or FMF, announced Wednesday in a statement that its Gender and Diversity Commission is looking into a video posted by Hernandez to his TikTok and Instagram accounts in which he says that women should be focused on "multiplying, cleaning," and "maintaining the home." "Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man," Hernandez added. "Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive." There has been a backlash, including from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said during a press conference Wednesday that while Hernandez is good at soccer, that, when it comes to his opinion on women, "he still has a lot to learn." Hernandez's team Chivas put out a press release Wednesday in regard to his comments and said, "The recent messages posted on social media represent an individual position that is unrelated to the principles and values of our institution." "The Club has taken the appropriate actions in accordance with its internal regulations," the statement continued. "As an institution with a deep sense of social responsibility, we firmly reject any behavior, stance, or expression that reinforces stereotypes that limit the freedom, respect, and full development of all people, both within and outside of sports." The FMF statement says that its investigation will determine whether "to impose a financial fine and a warning to Javier "El Chicharito" Hernández in the sense that this Commission will take more severe measures in case of recurrence."


Newsweek
26 minutes ago
- Newsweek
ICE Detains Singer of No. 1 Hit Songs After Decades in the US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jane Eugene, vocalist of the chart-topping 1980s British R&B group Loose Ends, has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for over two months after being detained near the Canadian border for overstaying her visa for over two decades, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek. In a Thursday email statement McLaughlin said, "Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application." Newsweek has contacted organizers on behalf of Eugene via GoFundMe on Thursday. Why It Matters Trump's second term, now at the half-year mark, has largely been characterized by his immigration and border security agenda—issues he emphasized heavily during his campaign last year. He has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history. Eugene's detention comes as thousands of people having been arrested and detained, including immigrants residing in the country illegally and legally, with valid documentation such as green cards and visas. The administration has detained and deported thousands of people to their countries of origin, as well as a smaller percentage to third countries with U.S. agreements, including El Salvador, Uzbekistan, South Sudan and Eswatini. What to Know Eugene was a vocalist with the British band that had two hit records top the No.1 spot on the R&B hits on the Billboard charts. She has been living in the U.S. for decades. On May 3, she was "refused entry to Canada" at the Niagara Falls border crossing, McLaughlin told Newsweek. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review," McLaughlin noted. Newsweek has confirmed in the ICE detainee database that she is currently held in Kentucky's Campbell County Detention Center. Musician Steve Nichol, singers Jane Eugene and Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends poses for photos backstage at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana in November 1988. Musician Steve Nichol, singers Jane Eugene and Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends poses for photos backstage at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana in November 1988.A GoFundMe set up by one of Eugene's friends, Dena Crowder, stated that "the conditions are taking a huge toll. Jane's health is rapidly deteriorating." Several reports from human rights organizations and politicians have raised concerns about conditions in ICE detention centers. Crowder wrote in the GoFundMe, "Under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there's a provision that allows people who entered the country and applied for a green card before 2001 to re-apply for legal status while still in the US, even if they overstayed their visa. Jane meets the requirements for 245(i) and is 'grandfathered' in." In order to qualify for the provision, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) notes that "you must be the beneficiary of a labor certification application (Form ETA 750) or immigrant visa petition (Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) filed on or before April 30, 2001." In addition, "You must complete Supplement A to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply under Section 245(i) provisions and submit it with your Form I-485." It is not clear if Eugene meets those requirements. The GoFundMe has raised over $16,000. What People Are Saying Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek in an email Thursday: "The law applies equally, even to Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S. "Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return." Dena Crowder said in the GoFundMe: "She loves America, has made her home here, and wants to fight using every legal remedy available. To those of us who know her personally, she's not just an R&B legend, she's one of the most caring and compassionate human beings you will ever meet. Aside from enriching the lives of millions through her performances through the years, and influencing numerous musical genres, including neo-soul, house, and hip-hop, she mentors aspiring artists and actively supports members of any community in need." What Happens Next Eugene is scheduled to have an immigration hearing this week. The Trump administration has pledged to continue its immigration policies and plans to expand capacity at detention centers.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Surprise! Law & Order: SVU's Octavio Pisano to Return in Season 27 Premiere
Joe Velasco's SVU stint isn't done just yet. Octavio Pisano will return for Law & Order: SVU's Season 27 premiere, sources confirm to TVLine. More from TVLine Food Network Star Anne Burrell's Cause of Death Revealed Chicago P.D. Adds The Night Agent's Arienne Mandi as New Series Regular Power Prequel About Young Ghost and Tommy Gets Series Order at Starz Pisano was a series regular on NBC's long-running procedural from Season 23 through 26, though his departure made news just before SVU's Season 26 finale in May. His character was promoted to Detective Second Grade, an occasion that the squad marked with a surprise gathering at a bar near the precinct. At the end of the episode, Capt. Benson and her officers donned their dress blues and attended the ceremony in which Velasco was officially promoted. Pisano appeared in a social media video that the show and its star, Mariska Hargitay, posted Thursday to mark the cast's return to set. In it, he, Peter Scanavino, Hargitay, Kevin Kane and recently promoted series regular Aimé Donna Kelly rehearse a scene from the season premiere. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariska (@therealmariskahargitay) Juliana Aidén Martinez, who played Det. Kate Silva in Season 26, also left the show at the end of the season. She recently was cast as a series regular on CBS' FBI, and will not return to SVU. Law & Order: SVU Season 27: Everything We Know So Far View List SVU will air Thursdays at 9/8c this fall, following Law & Order at 8 and leading into The Hunting Party at 10. Are you excited to see Velasco in Season 27? Hit the comments with your thoughts! Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More