Jewellery robbers face prison following Met investigation  

A meticulous investigation by Met police officers means that two men will face prison for committing a series of violent robberies across London and Kent.

James Dixon, 42 (17.10.82) of no fixed address pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on 28 October. He is due to be sentenced on 18 January 2025.

Thomas Loring, 41 (11.9.83) of Dunkery Road, SE9 was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery on 25 November at Kingston Crown Court, after the jury deliberated for 42 minutes. He is due to be sentenced on 16 January 2025.

Dixon and Loring were part of an organised crime network based in South London and targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and a jeweller’s in a spate of vicious assaults which left victims with serious injuries.

On 26 March, during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea which was captured on CCTV, two shop workers in their seventies were attacked with a claw hammer and around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

An investigation by the Met's Flying Squad involved specialist officers reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, evidential profiling, analysis of DNA, use of vehicle monitoring technology and the identification of fake number plates.

Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack targeting a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road on 19 June during which they punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.

Antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, Ian Towning, said: "The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They've been there for me every minute. They've always been there. That's what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it."

Senior Security Manager at Post Office, Mark Dinsdale said: “We’re grateful to the Metropolitan Police and their officers for all their work to bring these serious criminal offenders to justice.

"Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.

"We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, from the Metropolitan Police who led the investigation, said: "Evidence obtained as part of our investigation revealed this criminal network were proficient, competent and well organised and were aware of the impact and relevance of forensic and identification evidence.

"These men inflicted serious injuries and caused immense distress during violent robberies which deliberately targeted the cash and valuables in transit industry and businesses in London and Kent.

"We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”

The Flying Squad investigates serious organised crime such as commercial robbery, cash in transit offences, high harm offenders and organised crime groups as well as leading the Met’s covert response to kidnappings and product contamination.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is working to build public trust in police work showing how officers fight crime in communities and keep people safe. The Met is building on work to keep serious violence low, including robbery.

For more information visit: A New Met for London