The real-life shop featured on Channel 4's Posh Pawn was targeted by masked raiders who tried to smash in the door before fleeing when they were unable to overcome the store's security system. The Draycott Avenue, London, premises, which specialises in luxury watches such as Rolex, designer bags and other luxury second-hand items, was singled out by two raiders on a moped. They attempted to break through the door with a sledgehammer but were engulfed in smoke from the store’s security system and confronted by local builders, according to witnesses.

The shop's owner James Constantinou, 58, who has starred in eight seasons of the reality show, which shows his staff assessing the value of items brought in by members of the public revealed they had stringent security measures in place which helped foil the pair. "We have very effective security measures including Fog Bandit which releases smoke when the shop is under threat," he said.

"Our staff reacted brilliantly, and I couldn’t have asked more of them. There were customers in the shop, but everyone was safe because, among other things, there is a 'vacuum' room after the main door, which stops anyone we don’t want getting into the main shop.

"This is the first time one of my shops has been raided, but it happens regularly to others in London. I think more needs to be done to deter these criminals," he told Metro.

The attempted robbery took place at around 5pm on Monday, August 18, with dramatic footage shared on social media showing the pair pulling up and beginning to batter the front door of the shop.

Smoke from the security system starts billowing out as their efforts prove unsuccessful, and they sped off on their moped before dozens of police arrived at the scene.

The door is currently boarded up, having suffered visible damage, and police confirmed they are searching for the culprits.

A Met Police spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "Police were called to a commercial premises on Draycott Avenue, SW3, at 17:05 hrs on Monday, 18 August, following reports of an attempted burglary.

"An investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote CAD 5534/18AUG.

"You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."