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A finance worker today spoke of his heartbreak after antiques and heirlooms said to be worth more than £100,000 were stolen in a raid on his garage.
Ajay Narang said the belongings taken during the burglary in Maida Vale included a glove signed by boxer Muhammad Ali, believed to be worth £2,000, and a two-foot bronze Buddha sculpture he said was worth £5,000.
A silk Persian rug from the early 19th century and a Persian limestone relief panel were also among the items reported stolen.
CCTV footage shows a white Ford Transit van pull up outside the garage before a man loads the vehicle up.
“This was our entire life’s collection of antiques,” said father-of-two Mr Narang, 40.
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He had been storing artefacts belonging to his father Omi, 82, and mother Sucheta, 75, as well as his own valuables in the garage off Clarendon Terrace.
After speaking to neighbours and studying CCTV from a nearby apartment block, he believes the theft took place between 9.50am and 10am on July 10. But it was only three days later that he discovered the crime.
“I went to the garage on Monday, July 8 and it was secure. I next went on the Saturday evening and saw the lock was broken,” said Mr Narang, who has lived in the area since 1992.
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“I don’t know how the thief did it but everything had been removed except a few items of no value.
“I was in sheer shock. My first thought was disbelief when I saw the garage. It is truly heartbreaking.”
Mr Narang has hired private investigator John Bateman to look into the theft. “It is upsetting to think these antiques might be sold off for a few pounds but the worst part is losing heirlooms that have been handed down through our family,” Mr Narang added.
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A Met Police spokesman said officers were contacted on the evening of July 13 with reports of a burglary at the garage. There have been no arrests in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or contact John Bateman on 07774 868648.