Terrified locals on billionaires’ row use prowl dogs, 24/7 CCTV and private security to stop copycats after £10m heist

TERRIFIED locals on the billionaires’ row use stalking dogs, 27/7 CCTV and private security to stop copycats after a £10.4million money heist.

Avenue Road in Camden, Londonalso known as “Billionaire’s Row”, is reputed to be one of the most expensive streets in the UK.

Sarah-Jane, 55, said having a dog with her makes her feel saferCredit: Simon Jones

Outside many houses on this street there are plaques that say — Outside many houses on this street are plaques saying ‘beware of guide dogs’ and ’24-hour CCTV footage’.Credit: Simon Jones

Houses in this area sell for around £15.5 million, data from Lloyds Bank shows.Credit: simon jones

Shafira Huang, social media influencer and art collectorShe had £150,000 worth of Hermes Crocodile Kelly bags, £15,000 cash and £10.4 million worth of custom-made jewelery stolen from her home.

Despite CCTV footage of the thief, he has yet to be caught, following the December 7, 2024 robbery.

Now residents are improving their safety and protecting themselves, but they say there is only one thing to blame.

walking avenue road, vast homes sit behind tall doors, loaded with security cameras.

The road itself is busy as it connects the nearby Swiss Cottage tube station to Regent’s Park.

Although the surrounding streets appear quiet, a swarm of security guards investigate the area.

Serving as a reminder of wealth that surrounds us, along with the dizzying crime rates.

Big signs that said “beware the guide” dogs” and ” 24-hour CCTV footage ” also appear in virtually every home.

One local, Sarah-Jane, 55, told The Sun that crime is a worry, but having a dog makes her feel safer.

She said: “You have to be clever and sensible. But it’s still scary.”

I left school at 13 and lived in a homeless shelter where I aborted my teenage pregnancy; Now I’m making six figures at 23 years old.

A local, Kumrio Eokuamci, 70, even came face to face with a thief in her home.

Mrs Eokuamci has lived on Avenue Road for 40 years.

She said: “They (the thieves) came from this house (points) and jumped out of the neighbors garden in mine.

“When I entered the kitchen, they (the thieves) were trying to enter through the kitchen door.

“It was only 8 at night. When he (the thief) saw me, he ran away. I called police“They came, but my back door was already broken.”

And he added: “It is very dangerous here.”

Houses in this area sell for around £15.5 million, Lloyds Bank data indicates.

Meanwhile, Ms Huang’s home is currently on the market for just under £60 million.

It has “spacious living spaces”, CCTV, a passenger lift, two kitchens, 10 bedrooms and an underground car park.

Gerry, 55, said Avenue Road's new, extremely wealthy residents have private security. — Gerry, 55, said Avenue Road’s new, extremely wealthy residents have private security.Credit: Simon Jones

Beatrice, 35, lived in the area and said “maybe things have changed a little bit” regarding the recent money theft.Credit: Simon Jones

Radia, 42, said he had not heard of the increase in crime in the area.Credit: simon jones

The man who robbed Ms Huang’s home is also said to have gone undetected by up to eight members of the home’s staff, MailOnline reports.

For Gerry, 55, who has lived in the area for 40 years, the recent robbery shows the negative consequences of social networks and “excessive wealth” does.

He said: “How can people have so much wealth and just leave it lying around? Surely this could be better distributed among those who have less?

“It is an indicator of where society has gone wrong. We were talking about the stratospheric attractions of these properties.

“They have always been the rich, but now they are the Uber rich, have private values and everything.

“We live in a very polarized society, with municipal flats right there.

“I feel sorry for the family but it is also incredible that you can have so much wealth lying around and hundreds of people are left homeless in Camden Town.”

With equal fury, Lee, 45, believes that “social media is the root of all evil” and is to blame for this huge problem. money heist.

He said: “In the particular case of Avenue Road, if someone flaunts their wealth on instagramThey are literally creating a showcase for thieves as if to say ‘come and take it’.

He said: “I think there is a generation of people who are in tiktokinstagram, snapchatwho are trying to create better realities in their lives.

“That is the world of platforms, but it is not the real world. “Social networks are the root of all evil.”

Two young men walking toward Avenue Road explained how they had lived in the area for years.

Despite loving the area, they say social media is making crime rates worse.

Scarlet, 32: “I think Avenue Road is known for crime because the houses are so big, but I don’t think that helps with social media.

“You have to be careful about what you’re documenting and about people following you home.

Lauren, 32 years old: “It’s just dangerous now, Londoneverywhere.

“Obviously this is a target area because there are big houses and a lot of rich people in the area, but you have to be vigilant.”

Kamran, 58 years old, visiting from Dubai but who is currently located on Avenue Road said: “Whoever broke into that house must have known that they kept valuables in the house, but in general, security is very high in this area.”

For many locals, the rise of social media and a new wave of residents has contributed to the rise in crime targeting high-net-worth individuals.