Shocking video footage has captured the precise moment a thief made off with an estimated £100,000 worth of gold and diamond jewellery, alongside multiple designer handbags, from a social media influencer's luxury penthouse apartment in London's affluent Knightsbridge district.
Brazilian Influencer Targeted While Overseas
Luana Bastos, a Brazilian influencer with approximately 188,000 followers, was travelling in her home country when her Rutland Gate apartment was systematically ransacked in the early hours of Friday, February 27. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a burglary report at approximately 00:25 hours, with initial investigations suggesting the suspect gained entry via a balcony after climbing scaffolding at the rear of the property.
Masked Intruder Captured on Security Footage
Security camera footage from inside the residence shows a masked figure, dressed in tracksuit trousers, trainers, and gloves, creeping cautiously along the corridor. At one particularly tense moment, the intruder approaches the front door and peers through the spy hole, apparently scanning for any activity or witnesses outside the property.
Among the stolen items were five Chanel handbags and a significant collection of high-value jewellery, including diamond rings. Ms Bastos stated the total value of the stolen goods approaches £100,000, though she noted the full extent of the loss would only become clear upon her return to London for a proper assessment.
Desperate Appeal to Followers for Assistance
In a desperate plea shared with her substantial Instagram following, Ms Bastos admitted to being overwhelmed by "the feeling of vulnerability and insecurity" following the invasion of her home. She posted photographs of the identified missing items, urging her followers to share the images and monitor websites that resell second-hand luxury goods in hopes of tracing the stolen property.
"Yesterday, while I was travelling in Brazil, my apartment in London was invaded," she wrote on social media. "They took bags, jewellery, shoes and other valuable items. I am posting photos of some of the pieces we have already identified as stolen and kindly ask that you share."
Suspected Pre-Planned and Commissioned Crime
Ms Bastos expressed her shock that such a burglary could occur "without anyone noticing" in the busy Knightsbridge area. She strongly suggested the theft was not opportunistic, telling the Daily Mail: "Everything suggests this was commissioned and carefully planned. We believe there was prior surveillance to gain access to the property."
The influencer's perception of safety in London has been profoundly shaken. "London obviously feels a lot less safe to me now," she confessed. "I cannot understand how this could happen in central London."
Metropolitan Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police have launched a formal investigation and remain in contact with the victim. A police spokesperson detailed: "Detectives have launched an investigation and are in contact with the victim. Their enquiries continue and no arrests have been made at this stage."
Authorities acknowledged the concern such incidents generate, stating: "We are aware of the concern that incidents like this cause and we know tackling burglaries is a key priority for Londoners. We are patrolling burglary hotspots in the area and our officers are committed to bringing offenders to justice."
Ms Bastos confirmed she is cooperating fully with the police investigation, thanking the force for its efforts and noting that specialist officers are involved with the case under constant review. The police have appealed for any witnesses or individuals with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference CAD 7551/27FEB, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
