Moment thug pulls up next to London film crew and snatches camera (2025)

A thug in a balaclava nabbed a £20,000 camera from a London film crew as they shot a music video.

My Laundress laundry in Hackney caught the shocking moment on its CCTV cameras, which was then shared online by cinematographer and camera-owner Chaimuki.

In the footage, the team can be seen standing around on the side of the road in Lower Clapton just after 10.30pm on Monday, assumedly reviewing the content they have created so far.

The group had been filming a music clip when out of nowhere a white car screeches into the shot and a thug jumps out of the back car door.

They then grab one of the massive tripods, later identified as aArri Alexi Mini which costs around £20,000, and tries to drag it into the car.

However, it is too big - so is hanging out the side of the door scratching along the road as the car makes its getaway.

Despite the crew shouting at, and a few trying to physical grab the tripod and camera as it whistles past - they are unsuccessful.

Later when posting on her Instagram for help finding it, Chaimuki claimed: 'I chased them on an electric bike. Imagine a 5ft 3 unarmed girl chasing down 4 criminals on bike.'

She later posted again saying: 'Honestly couldn't be thankful enough for all the support all of you are giving. I've been trying to get back to you all bare with me.

'I'll keep you updated with any outcome just remember to stay safe. All the love.'

A Met Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 22:33hrs on Monday, 14 April to reports of a theft in Chatsworth Road, E5.

'It was reported a man in a balaclava ran into the venue and stole camera equipment before making off in a car towards Dunlace Road, E5.

'Officers attended and searched the area for the suspects, the vehicle or discarded items, but nothing was found. No arrests have been made.

'Anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 7958/14APR.

'Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.'

It comes amid an epidemic of phone snatching in cities across the UK, with a particular focus on London, where mobile phone thefts have tripled in the last four years.

More than 70,000 phones were snatched in the streets of London alone in 2024, out of an estimated 100,000 thefts across the UK.

Some 70,137 devices were reported stolen amid a scourge of criminal gangs using e-bikes and scooters to tot up high numbers of phones to sell abroad for parts.

It is thought phone snatching could cost consumers up to £70 million each year.

Last monthtwo brazen thieves snatched three phones in just minutes while riding past pedestrians on a black moped.

The pair, both clad all in black and wearing balaclavas that revealed just their eyes, worked as a slick team to grab phones out of users' hands before they realised they were at risk.

One man was seen trying desperately to hold on to his handset as it was swiped, before the speed and momentum of the moped got the better of him.

The man attempted to chase after the moped as it careered down the pavement, but the driver rejoined the road and weaved in and out of traffic and away.

The thieves drove off in the direction of Camden, with witnesses stating they snatched another two phones along the way.

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