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I wanted to provide you an update regarding robbery, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. While reviewing reports of overnight incidents on 13 March, attention was drawn to a robbery at a Marks & Spencer store on Finchley Road. During the incident, a suspect was reported to have threatened staff with an angle grinder after they attempted to intervene.
Enquiries quickly identified that this robbery was not an isolated incident. Working closely with retail partners, it became clear that it formed part of a linked series of robberies affecting multiple locations across neighbouring areas.
Further enquiries were carried out, including review of CCTV footage and statements from victims and witnesses. As a result of this work, the suspect was linked to five robberies, all involving similar methods and the use of an offensive weapon to threaten shop staff.
Following further investigation, the suspect was identified as a known, prolific offender with a history of violent and acquisitive crime. Initial attempts to locate him were unsuccessful, but a breakthrough occurred when he was later arrested for an unrelated offence and recalled to prison.
With continued checks and coordination between agencies, officers were able to establish the suspect’s release arrangements from Prison. On 9 November, he was arrested upon release at the door and subsequently charged with:
- Five counts of robbery
- Five counts of possession of an offensive weapon
He was remanded into custody to appear before the court.
This case illustrates the importance of close partnership working between retailers, investigators, and the wider criminal justice system. It also comes at a time when major retailers, including Marks & Spencer, have publicly spoken about the serious and intimidating threats faced by staff, particularly involving weapons such as angle grinders.
The work carried out ensured a dangerous individual was brought before the courts and helped protect retail workers and the wider public from further harm.
 We will continue to tackle robbery in your local area. While we are investigating and arresting those responsible, please consider following the below advice to keep yourself and your property safe: Do not leave your phone, tablet or other digital goods unattended, out of sight or on a table. Be aware of your surroundings and only use your phone when it is safe to do so. Put your phone away when you have finished using it. Secure your phone by choosing a strong pin or password Keep a note of your IMEU number (to access, type *#06# on your phone keypad) Plan your route, especially if you are going somewhere you have not been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets and walkways. Move with purpose and appear confident.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
