Britain: Stop and Think

Supercrooks do brisk business

Amid the bustle of shoppers and late-arriving office workers, it seemed like a typical Monday morning in London's West End. But in Conduit Street, a smart thoroughfare filled with fashionable shops just off New Bond Street, a daring crime was in progress. As the crowds streamed past the armored glass windows of Bonds jewelers' as yet unopened store, the staff inside was being held at gunpoint by five men, three disguised in monkey masks. After forcing the employees to open the vault, the robbers rifled trays of uncut gems and antique Indian jewelry, strewing less valuable items...