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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. 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).
 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. | 
