London Homeowner Recounts Ordeal as "Traveller Gang" Linked to Dozens of Burglaries

New footage has emerged of a burglary by a group described as a "traveller gang" linked to over 50 break-ins across London and the Home Counties. The incident in Muswell Hill, North London, involves three masked individuals who used crowbars to force entry into a home.

The gang is reportedly targeting homes, stealing luxury items such as watches and jewelry, as well as cash and safes. The Daily Mail reported that the group has been smashing their way into as many as 15 homes a night. The Met Police have faced accusations of failing to adequately address the issue.

David McKelvey, a former Met detective chief inspector, brought attention to the burglary spree due to concerns that it was "no longer being treated as a policing priority." McKelvey believes the gang comprises Irish Travellers operating in multiple teams and may include convicted criminals released early from prison.

CCTV and Ring doorbell footage from the Muswell Hill incident on September 18 shows the suspects battering down the front door. The homeowner, who requested anonymity, stated that her son, who is autistic, has been deeply affected by the incident. "These men are absolutely brazen," she told the Mail. "These aren't the burglars of old who would sneak in and steal a VCR. They're violent men who force their way in regardless of whether anyone is home - children, dogs, anyone."

The suspects were in and out of the property in under four minutes, reportedly leaving in a car believed to be a Toyota Camry. The homeowner expressed dissatisfaction with the police response, noting that forensic officers arrived 28 hours after the break-in and that she had not received an update since reporting the crime. "Everyone is scared. The police don't appear to think violent home invasions are worth properly investigating," she added.

McKelvey links this incident to a pattern of burglaries, estimating the gang committed 15 burglaries in a single night and 50 over two weeks. He suggests that some gang members may be men convicted of burglary who were released under Labour's early release scheme. Intelligence suggests at least two suspects have convictions for similar offenses as recently as 2024.

Other incidents linked to the gang include break-ins in Highgate and Grange Park, Enfield. In Enfield, a video captured a lone man smashing a front door with a crowbar before being joined by two others, who then kicked the door in. These suspects arrived in a blue BMW fitted with fake number plates.

TM Eye, McKelvey's private security company, has linked the gang to six stolen vehicles. The group reportedly uses legitimate cars for initial travel before switching to stolen vehicles with cloned plates for the raids.

A Met Police spokesman stated that officers are actively investigating a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries in North London, assessing evidence and intelligence to determine links between incidents. They urged anyone with information to contact them on 101. No arrests have been made, and no injuries were reported in relation to these burglaries.

A spokesperson for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said, "Every Londoner deserves to feel safe in their home," noting that burglaries have decreased by 31 percent since 2016 and that the Mayor is supporting the Met with record funding to combat organized crime.