Ram-Raid Suspect Hunted After Car Crashes Into Phillips Auction House in Mayfair

Audacious Ram-Raid Hits Phillips Auction House in Mayfair Ahead of Damien Hirst Sale

Metropolitan Police detectives have launched an urgent investigation following a brazen ram-raid on the prestigious Phillips auction house in Berkeley Square, Mayfair. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025, has sent shockwaves through London's high-end art world.

According to police reports, a vehicle was deliberately driven into the front entrance of the gallery, causing extensive damage to the building's exterior. Photographs from the scene showed the glass entrance doors completely shattered and subsequently boarded up with plywood, with police tape cordoning off the area. Forensic investigators spent the morning searching for clues and analyzing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

The timing of the burglary has raised concerns, as the auction house was preparing to host a highly anticipated exhibition and sale of works by renowned contemporary artist Damien Hirst. The target of the ram-raid, and whether any items were successfully stolen during the brief breach, remains unconfirmed by representatives at Phillips.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed: 'Police were called to reports of a vehicle having crashed into a commercial property in Berkeley Square. Officers attended and found significant structural damage. Enquiries are ongoing, and we are treating the incident as a suspected aggravated burglary.' As of now, no arrests have been made, and detectives are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.