Robbery attempt at Kempton Park

Any dealer or collector who shops the greater London markets will want to take note of this:

A gang struck at the popular Kempton Park Racecourse fair on Tuesday, April 13, first piercing the car tyre of a jewellery dealer and then accosting him during an unscheduled stop at a nearby petrol station. In this case the thieves had picked on the wrong man – the 67-year-old Hertfordshire man was a former fencing and boxing champion who tackled one of the thieves. The gang of four fled emptyhanded. However, the dealer conceded he was lucky to escape unhurt with his stock and takings and warned others to be on their guard.

US dealers have been targeted in similar wise for a good long time -- though often as not, there is no sabotage or confrontation, just a break-in when the victim makes a rest stop (which is virtually inevitable, given American driving distances). From what I recall, most Kempton jewelry dealers aren't carrying serious swag, but those American dealers who do now usually have Brinks (or a similar security firm) pick up and deliver their stock when they set up at shows, and store the stuff in between.

UPDATE: The thefts and attempted thefts continue, with the Antiques Trade Gazette reporting incidents at Sandown and elsewhere.

Posted by David on April 21, 2004 7:41 PM