Sledge-hammer wielding moped riders rob Dorchester Hotel in London
A London hotel currently the subject of a boycott because it of its Brunei owner, has been targeted by a smash-and-grab gang of moped riders.
In April, the hotel’s owner, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah gave approval to Brunei’s revised penal code, which urges death by stoning for same-sex sexual activity.
The Dorchester Hotel, part of The Dorchester Collection, is facing a continued boycott by several celebrities because of its Brunei ownership.
A gang of moped riders wielding sledge-hammers entered the boutique of the Park Lane hotel, and smashed watch and jewellery cabinets.
Metropolitan Police officers followed the gang, but lost sight of them.
A woman was found en route at Cambridge Circus who had been hit by a moped. She was taken to hospital and treated for leg injuries, and later discharged.
Detective Constable of the Flying Squad Alex Flanagan said: “This was a well planned and thought through robbery and there may be people who know who is responsible.
“I am keen for those with any information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist us with our investigation.”
Kate Middleton was a guest at a wedding held at The Dorchester, on Park Lane, London, earlier this month.
The Chief Executive of the hotel group, Christopher Cowdray, stated his company’s commitment to equality and called on the boycott to end.
A string of celebrities, including Ellen Degeneres, Stephen Fry, Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson and Sharon Osbourne in April began a boycott campaign against The Dorchester Collection, famous for its Beverly Hills venue.
The Sultan, whose family has governed Brunei for 600 years and whose fortune is estimated at $13 billion (£7.75 billion), also received an honorary knighthood from the Queen in 1992 and has been awarded a string of honours by British universities.
