Armed Robbers Raid Islington’s Bilezzik Jewellers on Scooters 2026

Key Points

• A group of armed robbers targeted Bilezzik jewellers in Green Lanes, Islington, North London, at around 10am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
• Screams were heard ringing in the street during the raid, causing alarm among locals.
• The robbers were wearing helmets and clad entirely in black clothing.
• Local reports indicate the men were carrying machetes, while the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were armed with weapons.
• The robbers fled the scene on scooters after the raid.
• Brave members of the public attempted to apprehend the suspects as they escaped.
• Footage of the incident has been widely shared on social media and news platforms.
• No arrests have been made as of February 25, 2026, and enquiries are ongoing.
• The jewellers, Bilezzik, sustained damage during the raid, though exact losses remain unconfirmed.
• The incident has heightened concerns over rising violent crime in North London commercial areas.

Islington, (North London News) February 25, 2026 – Screams echoed through Green Lanes as a gang of armed robbers raided Bilezzik jewellers at approximately 10am on Tuesday, shattering the morning calm in this bustling Islington street. The helmeted men, dressed head-to-toe in black, fled on scooters after the brazen attack, evading capture despite efforts by courageous bystanders to intervene. Police have confirmed the suspects were armed, with local eyewitnesses reporting sightings of machetes in their possession.​

What Happened During the Raid?

The robbery unfolded rapidly in broad daylight on Green Lanes, a vibrant commercial hub in Islington known for its independent shops and diverse community. According to footage circulating widely online, the robbers arrived on scooters before storming the Bilezzik jewellers store.

As reported by the MyLondon news team, screams pierced the air as terrified staff and customers reacted to the intrusion. The men, their faces obscured by helmets, were seen wielding what appeared to be large blades, smashing display cases to grab valuables.​

Bilezzik jewellers, a longstanding fixture on Green Lanes specialising in fine jewellery, became the target of this violent heist. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as the robbers made their escape, scattering pedestrians and prompting immediate public response. The Metropolitan Police were alerted shortly after 10am and attended the scene promptly.

Who Were the Robbers and What Weapons Did They Use?

Descriptions of the perpetrators remain consistent across reports: a group of men clad in black attire, including helmets that concealed their identities.

Local reports, as detailed in initial coverage by MyLondon, specified that the suspects carried machetes, contributing to the terrifying nature of the incident. The Metropolitan Police statement, issued later that day, confirmed the robbers were “armed,” though specifics on weaponry were withheld pending further investigation.​

No further details on the number of robbers have been disclosed, but video evidence suggests at least three to four individuals participated. Their use of scooters for both arrival and getaway highlights a tactical approach often seen in scooter-enabled smash-and-grab crimes across London.

How Did the Public React to the Fleeing Robbers?

Brave members of the public played a heroic role in the aftermath, attempting to apprehend the fleeing suspects. As the robbers sped away on scooters, bystanders gave chase on foot and even tried to block their path, according to footage shared widely on social media platforms.

This public intervention underscores the community spirit in Islington, where residents have increasingly confronted crime amid rising concerns.

Eyewitnesses recounted the tension, with one local describing the scene as “like something out of a film.” Despite these efforts, the robbers evaded capture, weaving through traffic on Green Lanes. Police have praised the public’s actions but urged caution in future incidents.

What Has Police Said About the Incident?

The Metropolitan Police have launched a full investigation into the raid. In an official statement, officers confirmed attendance at Bilezzik jewellers following reports of an armed robbery at around 10am.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage,”

the force stated, as per updates from MyLondon coverage. Crime scene investigators examined the site, cordoning off the area for several hours.​

Detectives are appealing for witnesses, particularly those with dashcam or mobile footage. The public has been asked to contact officers via 101, quoting reference CAD 2848/24FEB, or to provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Police have not released details on stolen items but confirmed no injuries were reported during the raid.

When and Where Exactly Did the Robbery Take Place?

The incident occurred precisely at 10am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Bilezzik jewellers located on Green Lanes in Islington, North London. Green Lanes is a key thoroughfare stretching through Haringey and Islington, lined with shops, cafes, and residential areas.

This location’s high footfall likely emboldened the robbers, who exploited the morning rush.

Footage timestamped around 10:05am captures the immediate aftermath, with shattered glass and fleeing suspects visible. The proximity to residential flats amplified the screams heard by nearby residents.

Why Might Jewellers Be Targeted in North London?

Jewellers like Bilezzik remain prime targets for armed gangs due to the high value of stock and relatively compact premises.

North London has seen a spate of similar raids, with Islington and neighbouring Haringey reporting increased violent shop robberies. Community leaders have linked this to broader youth crime trends involving scooters and blades.

As noted in local analyses, economic pressures and black market demand for gold exacerbate vulnerabilities for family-run businesses. Bilezzik, with its display of rings, necklaces, and watches, fits this profile perfectly.

What Footage Has Emerged and What Does It Show?

Video clips, first shared on social media and republished by MyLondon, provide stark evidence of the raid. The footage depicts robbers in black emerging from scooters, entering the store amid shattering glass, and emerging minutes later laden with goods. Screams from inside the shop are audible, followed by public shouts as the gang mounts scooters to flee.​

One widely viewed clip, lasting 45 seconds, shows a bystander lunging towards a scooter-riding suspect, who swerves to escape. The grainy but clear mobile phone recordings have aided police enquiries and sparked public outrage online.

Has Bilezzik Jewellers Issued a Statement?

As of February 25, 2026, Bilezzik jewellers has not released an official public statement. Store owners were reportedly too shaken to comment immediately after the raid. The front of the premises remains boarded up, with forensic teams having processed the scene.

Local business associations have expressed solidarity, pledging support for repairs and security upgrades.

What Is the Broader Context of Crime in Islington?

Islington has faced mounting concerns over knife crime and robbery in recent years. Green Lanes, while a cultural hotspot, has witnessed multiple scooter-related incidents. According to Metropolitan Police data, armed robberies in the borough rose by 15% last year.

Residents’ groups are calling for increased patrols and scooter bans in high streets. This raid at Bilezzik adds to fears, prompting councillor statements on bolstering community safety.

Which Similar Incidents Have Occurred Recently?

Comparable raids have hit North London jewellers, including a machete attack in nearby Harringay last month. In December 2025, a Haringey gold merchant was targeted similarly, with robbers fleeing on e-bikes. Patterns suggest organised groups operating across boroughs.

Police operations like Operation Venice target such gangs, but incidents persist.

How Can the Public Assist the Investigation?

Anyone with information is urged to come forward. Contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 with CAD 2848/24FEB, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sharing relevant footage privately with detectives could prove pivotal.

Business owners are advised to review CCTV and enhance security measures.

What Measures Are in Place to Prevent Future Raids?

In response to this and prior incidents, Islington Council is reviewing shopfront security grants. Police visibility on Green Lanes will increase, with ANPR cameras monitoring scooter routes. Community watch schemes are expanding.

Jewellers are encouraged to install fog screens and panic alarms, as recommended post-raid.

This robbery at Bilezzik jewellers serves as a stark reminder of urban crime challenges, yet the public’s bravery offers hope. Investigations continue as Islington unites against such threats.