A London film crew recently fell victim to theft while filming a music video in Lower Clapton, resulting in the loss of a high-value camera. The incident occurred on a quiet street shortly after 10.30pm, as the crew, led by cinematographer Chaimuki, was reportedly reviewing the footage they had captured. CCTV footage from My Laundress laundry in Hackney captured the events as they unfolded.
In a surprising turn of events, a white car suddenly entered the scene and a woman swiftly exited from the back door. She attempted to steal an Arri Alexa Mini camera, valued at approximately £20,000, by dragging it towards the vehicle. As she struggled with the sizable tripod, it became evident that it was too large to fit inside the car. The tripod hung awkwardly out of the car door, scraping along the road as the assailants made their getaway. The film crew could be seen yelling in an attempt to deter the thief and reclaim their equipment, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Chaimuki later turned to social media to seek assistance in locating the stolen camera. In an Instagram post, she expressed her determination, stating, “I chased them on an electric bike. Imagine a 5ft 3 unarmed girl chasing down 4 criminals on bike.” She added, “Ngl [not going to lie] I am the real gangster.” In a subsequent update, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from the public and reassured her followers that she would keep them informed of any developments while advising them to remain safe.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comments regarding the incident. This theft reflects a growing trend of mobile phone thefts within urban areas across the UK, particularly in London, where such crimes have reportedly tripled over the past four years. In a staggering statistic, over 70,000 mobile phones were reported stolen in London during 2024, part of an estimated 100,000 thefts occurring nationwide.
The rise in phone snatching has been attributed to criminal gangs frequently using e-bikes and scooters to facilitate rapid thefts, often targeting unsuspecting individuals on the streets. A recent example saw thieves on a moped approach pedestrians to seize phones directly from their hands, with one man filmed desperately trying to chase down the perpetrators but ultimately failing as they sped away through traffic.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by residents and businesses in the area, revealing a concerning pattern of criminal behaviour amidst the backdrop of London’s vibrant nightlife.
Source: Noah Wire Services