Man unleashes smoke grenades and sledgehammer in raid on Mayfair hotel

A man unleashed multiple smoke grenades on Claridge’s hotel in central London while trying to steal jewels worth £190,000.

Jay McGinty arrived at the world-famous Mayfair hotel’s riding pavilion on a Vespa scooter – with no number plates,while wearing a balaclava underneath his motorcycle helmet.

Footage shows the 37-year-old pulling the pins out of the smoke grenades as he went through the revolving doors at the side entrance to the hotel on Davies Street.

It is just moments later that dark smoke engulfs the hallway,blocking the view.

Still wearing the helmet and balaclava to hide his identity,McGinty is then seen on CCTV using a sledgehammer to smash into a display case for jewellery before fleeing the scene.

His escape was only thwarted by brave security staff who confronted him and held the revolving door shut.

Charles Evans,prosecuting,said police were called just minutes after his arrival at the hotel.

He added: ‘The guard grabbed hold of the defendant within the revolving door (and) the defendant,still holding the sledgehammer,shouted “don’t come near me or I’ll hit you” or words to that effect,which caused some concern to him.

‘However,he managed to pull the defendant out of the door and took the sledgehammer from him.’

The burglar was trapped inside until police arrived,even as he threatened one of the workers.

Monica Oluwole,from the Crown Prosecution Service,said: ‘Jay McGinty tried to use a smokescreen to cover his brazen attempt to steal highly valued items of jewellery.

‘He was caught red-handed thanks to the quick actions of the hotel security and staff who prevented him from escaping and called the police.

‘This heist,although it had all the hallmarks of planning and reconnaissance work,didn’t work and we were able to make sure he was brought to justice.’

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McGinty pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary,which took place on March 14 at around 8.30pm.

He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday to six years in prison.