Like a scene out of a British gangster movie this was the moment when a gang of thieves dressed in motorcycle gear and wielding sledgehammers targeted a high-end jewellery shop.

But, unlike a movie, this shocking robbery – caught on camera by a passerby – happened on a busy high street in Richmond.

The smash-and-grab was the second time Courlanders jewellery shop, in George Street, has been targeted.

Eyewitnesses said up to four men, armed with sledgehammers, pulled up outside the shop on motorbikes at about 11am last Friday before smashing a window and fleeing with jewellery.

A spokesman for Richmond police said: “Police were called to reports of a burglary at Courlanders jewellers. It is believed four men on two motorbikes smashed the front window with sledgehammers and took a quantity of high-value jewellery.”

The motorcycle-riding robbers then headed off towards Wandsworth. Both motorbikes, one red and one black, were described as high-performance vehicles and all of the raiders were said to be wearing black clothing and crash helmets.

The raid echoed another attack on the shop on April 2 where the same display window was targeted.

Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Jim Groves at the serious crime squad on 020 8247 7142 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.