London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating a major theft from the Masterpiece art fair (29 June-5 July) in Chelsea, west London. The items stolen from the stand of Swiss jewellers Boghossian, based in Geneva and London, are estimated to be worth up to £3m, according to the Evening Standard newspaper.
There were reportedly no witnesses to the theft, which is thought to have taken place between 5pm on 4 July and 9.30am on 5 July, the fair’s final day. The security presence at the venue, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, included CCTV cameras and bag checks when entering and leaving the premises.
A spokeswoman for the fair says: “Masterpiece is fully co-operating with the Metropolitan Police and we take the security of the fair and the objects exhibited very seriously.” Boghossian were not available for comment.
This year’s edition of the fair, with 153 exhibitors of fine art and luxury goods, drew a record 44,000 visitors.
