Three plead guilty in Richmond smash and grab robbery

Three men have pleaded guilty following an investigation into a smash and grab robbery at a jewellery shop in Richmond.

Deniz Mehmet, 28 (04.10.97), of Elham Drive, Basildon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 10 July.

Two other men – Robert Clarke, 50 (06.08.75) of Lever Lane, Rochford and Lee Ramsey, 46 (28.05.79) of Hastingwood Road, 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.

A video of the robbery was widely shared online. It showed the men smashing the window of the jewellers 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 in Paved Court, Richmond on Saturday, 31 January.

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.

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).

NOTES TO EDITOR

Footage of the arrests and robbery can be found here: https://mps.box.com/s/6xnvu0cmahpnh0fh0h2yi40jql6qll06

:00 - :37 – Flying Squad arrest Lee Ramsey on Tuesday, 31 March.

:38 - 1:11 – Flying Squad arrest Robert Clarke on Tuesday, 31 March.

1:12 - 1:26 – Flying Squad arrest Deniz Mehmet on Wednesday, 8 April.

1:27 – end – Footage of robbery at Richmond jewellers on Saturday, 31 January.