Thieves steal camera equipment from Guy Ritchie’s East London film set in ‘broad daylight’

Guy Ritchie's latest drama series 'The Associate' has been hit by thieves who reportedly stole filming gear from the set. The 56-year-old director had closed off parts of the Isle of Dogs, East London, for the Paramount+ production, which stars big names including Dame Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Hardy, when the incident occurred.

Two men in a Toyota Prius reportedly pulled up, asking for directions, distracting the crew. While the team was engaged, one of the men snatched a bag full of camera equipment from the roadside and they both made a quick getaway.

A source revealed to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Guy had shut roads for the shoot and the production was teeming with security and crew. Out of nowhere, two blokes arrived in a Prius and started asking for directions."

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The source continued: "Their questions distracted people and at that moment, the other bloke jumped out and grabbed a bag of camera equipment that was on the side of the road. He jumped back in the car and they sped off."

The source admitted that the staff had been robbed 'in broad daylight'. They continued: "The security guards started going bananas because they’d basically been robbed in broad daylight. It was pretty embarrassing and a costly mistake. The kit on those films isn’t cheap."

It remains unknown if this setback has put a dent in the filming schedule for the crime drama. As reported by Deadline.com, 'The Associate' is a tale of high stakes: "Family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner; and while the family might be London’s most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what’s in store tomorrow".

Tom Hardy previously collaborated with Guy Ritchie in the 2008 crime comedy 'RocknRolla', marking their first team-up. However, this will be the inaugural time that Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren will be working under the direction of the acclaimed filmmaker.

This news follows the recent announcement that the 'Sherlock Holmes' director has recruited Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Sir Anthony Hopkins for his upcoming film 'Wife and Dog'. The trio have all signed on for the latest project from the 'Snatch' director, which is touted as a "return to the colourful, back-stabbing world of the British aristocracy Richie explored in 'The Gentlemen' film and TV series".

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