UK Police Face Scrutiny Over Handling of 'Traveller Gang' Burglaries

New footage has emerged showing a balaclava-clad gang, believed to be linked to over 50 burglaries across London and surrounding areas, smashing their way into a home in Muswell Hill, north London. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Metropolitan Police's response to a spree of break-ins targeting affluent neighborhoods.

The gang, described as 'traveller squads,' has reportedly been smashing through front doors with crowbars to steal luxury watches, jewelry, cash, cars, and even entire safes. In one instance captured by a Ring doorbell camera on September 18, three masked burglars broke into a Muswell Hill home. The homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, stated that the men were in and out of the property in less than four minutes. The homeowner expressed distress, noting the incident had deeply shaken her autistic son and left her family feeling unsafe.

"These men are absolutely brazen," the homeowner told the Daily 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."

David McKelvey, a former Met detective chief inspector now running private investigations company TM Eye, has publicly raised concerns, suggesting the crime wave is "no longer being treated as a policing priority." McKelvey believes the gang comprises Irish Travellers operating in at least three separate teams, potentially targeting up to 15 properties a day. He has suggested that some members may be convicted criminals released under Labour's early release scheme.

Footage from the Muswell Hill burglary shows the suspects arriving and leaving in a car believed to be a mid-2010s Toyota Camry. Another incident, captured on October 2 in Grange Park, Enfield, shows a similar modus operandi, with a blue BMW fitted with fake number plates used by the perpetrators. In this case, a dog could be heard barking as the men burst inside after repeatedly kicking the door down.

McKelvey's team has linked the gang to six stolen vehicles, noting that they appear to switch from legitimate cars to stolen vehicles with cloned registration plates to carry out raids. He has also criticized the decision to disband the Met's dedicated burglary squads.

The Metropolitan Police stated that they are actively investigating a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries in north London during September and October, assessing all available evidence and intelligence to determine links. A spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact them. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and no injuries were reported in connection with these burglaries.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London's office said that burglaries are down 31 percent since 2016 and that the Mayor continues to support the Met with record funding to enhance neighborhood policing and tackle organized crime. However, victims like the Muswell Hill resident feel the response has been inadequate, with forensics arriving 28 hours after the incident and a lack of follow-up communication from the police.