THREE MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO RICHMOND JEWELLERY SHOP SMASH AND GRAB RAID
Three men have pleaded guilty following an investigation into a smash and grab robbery at a jewellery shop in Richmond which made headlines around the world.
Deniz Mehmet, 28, from Basildon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Kingston Crown Court earlier today (Fri)
Two other men – Robert Clarke, 50, Rochford and Lee Ramsey, 46, of Harlow – pleaded guilty to the same offence at the same court on Friday, 22 May.
All three men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Friday, 24 July.
Videos and photos of the robbery was widely shared online as it took place in broad daylight in front of many witnesses in Paved Court, Richmond, where Ted Lasso is filmed.
It clearly showed the men smashing the window of the jewellers Gregory & Co, with a sledgehammer before reaching in to grab jewels worth £225,000 and making off.
Officers immediately launched an investigation, arresting two of the men on Tuesday, 31 March and the third on Wednesday, 8 April – all at addresses in Essex.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “Robberies of this kind cause real concern for residents and businesses in the communities that are targeted. It’s they who feel the immediate impact.
“These guilty pleas mark a significant step in what has been a detailed and determined investigation.
“I hope they demonstrate our commitment to tackling smash‑and‑grab robberies in London by going after those involved, wherever they are.
“The groups responsible should be under no illusion – we will pursue you relentlessly and hold you to account.”
An investigation was launched immediately following the incident which took place on 31 January at 10.30am.
Specialist officers carried out an extensive review of CCTV footage, alongside forensic analysis and the recovery of a vehicle believed to be linked to the robbery.
The police said: “This painstaking work led to the identification of the three suspects – who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.
“The Met remains committed to tackling issues that have a real impact on businesses and communities – including ram raids.”
Across London, neighbourhood crime dropped by 15.6 per cent in the last financial year – that’s equivalent to more than 40,000 fewer offences. This was largely driven by reductions in theft from person (-21.4 per cent), vehicle crime (-13.9 per cent) and personal robbery (-13 per cent)