Gang that targeted Beckhams feared to be behind string of raids on rich and famous — including £1million jewellery heist
CCTV footage from one of the burglaries shows thieves in identical tracksuits, masks and gloves stalking the grounds of a mansion 25 miles away from the Beckhams
A gang that targeted the Beckham’s mansion are feared to be behind a string of raids on the rich and the famous - including a jewellery heist worth £1million.
Chilling CCTV from a burglary just 25 miles from the Beckham’s country retreat earlier this year shows thieves wearing identical tracksuits, masks and gloves stalking the mansion’s grounds.
Cops are still probing the raid at the home of biotech tycoon Sir Christopher Evans - worth £157million - where the raiders fled with the loot stashed in log baskets in July.
The same gang of masked crooks are also feared to be behind at break in at the home of widow of “fifth Beatle” Sir George Martin in March.
Judy Martin, 90, who also lives just 25 miles from the Beckhams Oxfordshire bolthole, was watching TV late at night when raiders smashed their way through her conservatory in March this year.
She heard the gang as she and called the cops. The crooks escaped empty handed.
Victims are convinced that it is the same group of robbers terrorising the picturesque villages.
The gang always wear similar gear and use ladders to jump the walls of the flash Cotswold mansions.
David, 43 and Victoria, 44 were said to be shocked that their country home was targeted on Saturday, with the three men using ladders to peer into the £6 million home in Great Tew, Oxfordshire.
The home is next to trendy Soho Farmhouse, which hosted Meghan’s Markle’s hen do, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also have a new home nearby.
Sir Christopher, 60, was burgled back in July where they made off with their loot stashed in log baskets.
Raiders struck at Glebe House in Bibury on July 9 hey then carried their haul across the grounds and fled in a dark Audi towards Cirencester.
A friend of Sir Christopher told The Sun last night he felt confident the crooks were part of the same gang that targeted his property.
He said: “I spoke with him Monday morning - he wishes the Beckhams all the best and hopes Oxfordshire Police catches them.
“From the pictures we’ve seen I would say it was the same people that targeted them.
"They looked very, very similar – the way they moved – even the way they were dressed.
“It’s only 20 minutes or so from here, the knowledge we have got from the police, the way they do things – it seems to fit.
“From what I have seen, the way they are, it looks like the same crew.
Back in July, Sir Christopher’s wife Anne, 58 said: “They have wiped out my entire jewellery collection. It’s serious money. There were hundreds of items and a lot of them were unbelievably special.
“Me and my son were in the house at the time. We were so lucky we didn’t come across them, these guys were prepared. I feel so devastated and violated.”
Lady Martin declined to comment yesterday.
A local source said: “All the local police forces are working together to try and tackle crime like this.
“With all the well-known people in the area it’s known they will be targeted.”
Last month four men were arrested in connection with the raid on Sir Christopher Evan’s mansion were arrested but realised without charge.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the Beckhams had been targeted.
A TVP spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police were called to Great Tew, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire on Saturday (20/10) at 8pm.
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“There were reports of a burglary in progress. On attendance, no one was found, there wasn’t any damage caused and there was also no evidence of entry being made to the building. Nothing was taken.”
The spokesman added: “The investigation has been filed pending any further information coming to light, anyone with information is asked to call 101.
"No arrests have been made at this time.
“As always with any report that comes in to Thames Valley Police, we would keep an open mind as to whether this is linked to any other incident, but at this time it is not being linked to anything else.”
LIST OF RAIDS:
LADDER GANG STRIKE ONE
Victim: Lady Judy Martin
Where: Coleshill, Oxon
When: March 2018
How: Scaling a wall and smashing the conservatory
Took: Nothing after Lady Martin called the police.
LADDER GANG STRIKE TWO
Victim: Sir Christopher Evans and wife Lady Anne.
Where: Bibury, Gloucs When: July 2018
How: Scaling a wall and smashing the conservatory
Took: £1 million in jewellery including: Diamond solitaire ring, Cartier Platinum and white gold diamond line bracelet with 39 step cut diamonds & gold, diamond and sapphire tiara, late 19th century.
LADDER GANG STRIKE THREE
Victims: David and Victoria Beckham
Where: Great Tew, Oxfordshire
When: October 2018 How: Scaling a wall and using a ladder to look into the house
Took: Nothing.
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