crime reporter(wp/es):
A man has been jailed for a spree of “smash and grab” raids at luxury shops in wealthy parts of London.
Connor Patterson, 20, was part of a gang which caused over £200,000 in loss and damage when they burgled high-end shops while armed with sledgehammers.
Patterson, of Priory Road, Kilburn, was jailed on Thursday after a trial lasting nine days at Southwark Crown Court.
The gang carried out the burglaries – including 11 overnight smash and grabs – over a period of two weeks at the start of the year, between January 17 and February 2.
The thieves used stolen mopeds, hammers and sledgehammers to smash their way into the shops in Westminster, Camden, Kensington, Chelsea and Hackney.
They would run in, steal the goods before speeding off on mopeds at high-speeds through red lights and against ‘no-entry’ signs across the city. It was often impossible for officers to safely chase them, police said.
Often the mopeds would carry the driver and a second rider on the back to carry the stolen goods.
Patterson was arrested in Camden on March 23, on one of the bikes used in the raids, after detectives from Westminster Crime Squad launched an investigation.
He was sentenced to six years imprisonment for conspiracy to burgle.
Other culprits involved in the raids are still wanted by police.
Detective Constable Tony Holley, of the crime squad, said: “My message to them is clear: we will not stop until all those involved are brought before the courts and taken off of London's streets.
“I would also like to appeal to all those who have information concerning these incidents and are yet to speak to police, to come forward."
Speaking about the burglaries, he said: “An organised group of criminals selected their targets for maximum gain.
“They caused thousands of pounds of damage in the course of their spree and stole high value goods.
"As the gang wore bike helmets this was and remains a complex investigation.
“However, a committed and detailed investigation from Westminster Crime Squad ensured that the case has so far resulted in a successful conviction.”
Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call Westminster Crime Squad on 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
A man has been jailed for a spree of “smash and grab” raids at luxury shops in wealthy parts of London.
Connor Patterson, 20, was part of a gang which caused over £200,000 in loss and damage when they burgled high-end shops while armed with sledgehammers.
Patterson, of Priory Road, Kilburn, was jailed on Thursday after a trial lasting nine days at Southwark Crown Court.
The gang carried out the burglaries – including 11 overnight smash and grabs – over a period of two weeks at the start of the year, between January 17 and February 2.
The thieves used stolen mopeds, hammers and sledgehammers to smash their way into the shops in Westminster, Camden, Kensington, Chelsea and Hackney.
They would run in, steal the goods before speeding off on mopeds at high-speeds through red lights and against ‘no-entry’ signs across the city. It was often impossible for officers to safely chase them, police said.
Often the mopeds would carry the driver and a second rider on the back to carry the stolen goods.
Patterson was arrested in Camden on March 23, on one of the bikes used in the raids, after detectives from Westminster Crime Squad launched an investigation.
He was sentenced to six years imprisonment for conspiracy to burgle.
Other culprits involved in the raids are still wanted by police.
Detective Constable Tony Holley, of the crime squad, said: “My message to them is clear: we will not stop until all those involved are brought before the courts and taken off of London's streets.
“I would also like to appeal to all those who have information concerning these incidents and are yet to speak to police, to come forward."
Speaking about the burglaries, he said: “An organised group of criminals selected their targets for maximum gain.
“They caused thousands of pounds of damage in the course of their spree and stole high value goods.
"As the gang wore bike helmets this was and remains a complex investigation.
“However, a committed and detailed investigation from Westminster Crime Squad ensured that the case has so far resulted in a successful conviction.”
Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call Westminster Crime Squad on 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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