The burglars gained entry to the garage attached to Oliver's $11.2 million (£7 million) home in Primrose Hill, north London and forced their way into the basement, where they stole two electrical items.

A neighbour called police on 2 October (15) after discovering a door had been left open.

A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police says, "Officers attended and went inside the property and found that the premises had been burgled. Items were removed from the address."

The thieves did not get inside the main house. It is thought Oliver, his wife Jules, and their four children were at their other property in Essex, England at the time.

Police officers have launched an investigation into the incident.