London Diamond Bourse ‘greatly concerned’ by Hatton Garden robbery

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has said it is “greatly concerned” by the Hatton Garden jewellery raid which took place over the Easter weekend. 

In the statement Victoria McKay, chief operating officer at LDB expressed particular concern about the “incorrect information” being reported in the media.

LDB said that it has not chosen to make a comment on the heist to date as it is not in a position to provide “substantial information”, and that having seen media speculation it has made a decision not to fuel speculative figures.

McKay said: “Of course we are greatly concerned by the effects of this crime on the industry as a whole and our thoughts are with those affected in any way. We do not hold information pertaining to the whereabouts of our members’ goods so are not in a position to make statements regarding their losses.

“There is a common misconception [among the public] that all those in the trade are exceptionally wealthy and will be able to absorb losses. This is simply not the case as there are many people in the trade who earn an everyday living in an industry already squeezed by tough market conditions.

McKay said the LDB “may choose to release commentary” when further facts come to light as a result of the ongoing police investigation.

However she directed particular criticism toward media reports that Hatton Garden traders are moving their goods to the “London Diamond Bourse vaults”, explaining that the organisation does not have a vault, and “does not provide any safe deposit services whatsoever”. She added that she has contacted the publication concerned with a request to retract the offending article.