The Great TV Show Heist: How two hit Netflix show sets were robbed of over $500,000
A day after $200,000 worth of props was stolen from Netflix's costliest production 'The Crown', the set of another Netflix production ‘Lupin’ was hit with robbery on 25 February. More than $300,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the hit international series’ set in France during the shoot of a third installment. Close to 20 masked thieves allegedly busted into the set tossing mortar fireworks during the shoot with the lead actor Omar Sy present on the set, according to news Outlet AFP.
The sets of royal drama series ‘The Crown’ were robbed of their antique silverware and jewels among others on February 24. The Netflix show’s pricey props were stolen in England during the shoot of its tenth episode of Season 5.
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The streaming giant confirmed the “incident” in a statement and revealed that the “cast and crew are safe and there were no injuries” owing to the violent theft at the sets. The hit international show was yet to announce the release date for its highly awaited third season, however, the show resumed its filming on Monday, February 28. “The gang managed to gain access to the lorries,” and then were able to “break [the trucks] open and strip them of the lot.” a source told The Sun.
According to Antiques Trade Gazette, the list of the stolen items included a replica of the 1897 Imperial Coronation Fabergé coach egg, 12 sets of silver candelabra and seven gold candelabra, a face from a William IV grandfather clock, multiple Russian religious icons, a 10-piece silver dressing table set, along with Saint-Louis gilt crystal glassware and decanters.
“Producers have an incredible eye for detail and every item was meticulously chosen. To lose the lot is just heartbreaking,” The Sun source added. “This couldn’t have come at a more frustrating time. Producers are frantically trying to find replacements. But given so many were unique, it won’t be easy.” another insider added.
The incident followed the last week’s robbery of the popular Netflix series in which the thieves swiped away $200,000 worth of gemstones, silverware, and antiques in an overnight raid near the set in Doncaster, England. The police have already launched an investigation but the jury is still out on whether or not both the incidents are connected.