Three jailed for more than 15 years in Richmond smash and grab robbery

Three men have been jailed for a combined total of 15 years and 6 months following an investigation into a smash and grab robbery at a jewellery shop in Richmond.

They were sentenced on Thursday, 30 July at Kingston Crown Court:

[A] Deniz Mehmet, 28 (04.10.97), of Elham Drive, Basildon, jailed for five years, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 10 July.

[B] Robert Clarke, 50 (06.08.75) of Lever Lane, Rochford, jailed for five years and three months, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 22 May.

[C] Lee Ramsey, 46 (28.05.79) of Hastingwood Road, Harlow, jailed for five years and 3 months, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 22 May.

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 sentences 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.

New figures released show neighbourhood offences fell by 14 per cent in the 12 months to June compared with the previous year – the equivalent of more than 35,000 fewer offences reported across London. This includes:

• 23,311 fewer thefts from person (-23 per cent)

• 2,943 fewer personal robberies (-11 per cent)

• 8,737 fewer vehicle offences (-9 per cent)

NOTES TO EDITOR

** Clarke received an additional 15 months for a separate offence.

Footage of the arrests and robbery can be found here: https://mps.box.com/s/myph6upg9givqxqih31o90d2tlc1kow0

: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.

** Clarke received an additional 15 months for a separate offence.