A shop worker who was inside a jewellery store in north London when it was ransacked by thieves has said she now has “trouble sleeping” following the incident.
CCTV footage shows machete-wielding thieves ramming a moped into Bilezzik Turkish gold shop on Green Lanes on Tuesday morning, leaving staff members terrified.
However, as the gang attempted to flee, they were confronted by brave local residents.
The footage shows four figures dressed head-to-toe in black, their faces concealed by motorcycle helmets, storming the jeweller’s in Haringey, close to Finsbury Park.
The group can be seen smashing glass counters with hammers and grabbing jewellery, which they then place into plastic bags.
Two employees are shown running to the back of the store as the robbery unfolds.
Speaking to The Standard, one shop worker said she had been having “trouble sleeping” since the incident.
Further footage filmed outside shows one masked individual sitting on a moped, scanning a group of local residents who appear to have realised a robbery is taking place inside the store.
Members of the public can be seen confronting the suspects, with one man picking up a wooden broom to defend himself.
Moments later, another masked figure emerges wielding what appears to be a large knife or machete. He charges towards the local resident, waving the blade, but the residents appear to stand their ground.
After realising they are not backing down, the masked man charges again and slashes stacks of bottled water outside a nearby shopfront.
The remaining suspects then emerge from the jewellery store carrying large shopping bags, which appear to be filled with stolen goods, and climb onto their bikes as a man shouts “thieves” at the top of his voice.
Both bikes pull away, but one rear passenger stumbles and struggles to mount the vehicle, giving members of the public another opportunity to intervene. Several people throw bottles in an apparent attempt to knock him off the bike.
One man armed with a broom gives chase, while another runs across the road brandishing a saw at the fleeing suspect.
Police were called to the scene following reports of an armed robbery, but no arrests have been made.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 10:04hrs on Tuesday, 24 February following reports of an armed robbery at a shop on Green Lanes, Islington.
“During the incident, a number of members of the public attempted to prevent the suspects from making off. No injuries were reported.
“Officers arrived on scene at 10:08hrs and an investigation is ongoing, with officers working quickly to secure evidence and identify suspects. At this stage, no arrests have been made.
“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting CAD 2319/24Feb or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
